This was unexpected.
Fred Trump III, the nephew of former President Donald Trump, made a series of pointed remarks about his uncle in a recent interview on MSNBC’s “Deadline: White House.” Trump III criticized his uncle’s stance on military service and his public disparagement of notable figures like the late Senator John McCain.
In his interview, Fred Trump III described his uncle’s attitude toward military personnel in stark terms. He asserted that Donald Trump “doesn’t care at all” about those who serve in the armed forces. This sentiment, he argued, is part of a broader pattern where Trump dismisses anyone he considers to be beneath him.
Trump III’s remarks also included a critique of Donald Trump’s past comments about Senator McCain, who was a Vietnam War POW and a respected figure within the Republican Party. “John McCain is a genuine hero,” Trump III stated. “The fact that Donald Trump called him, in essence, a ‘loser,’ is something I just don’t understand.” He elaborated that Trump’s tendency to label people as “losers” if they are disabled or do not meet his standards reflects a deeper, unchanging character flaw.
When questioned about why he believes some military members still support Donald Trump, Trump III admitted he is baffled. He noted that despite his efforts to communicate the truth about his uncle’s apparent disregard for military service members during an interview with National Defense Radio, he has been unable to reconcile this disconnect.
In a notable comparison, Trump III referenced a scene from “The Godfather II” to illustrate his view of Donald Trump’s self-centered nature. He quoted Michael Corleone’s line, “Donald believes in Donald,” suggesting that his uncle’s primary allegiance is to himself rather than to the country or its values.
These comments come amidst controversy over Donald Trump’s recent visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where his campaign distributed photos of the visit despite restrictions on political activities at the site. This incident has further fueled debate about Trump’s respect for military traditions and his broader commitment to public service.
