Former Chief Of Staff John Kelly Rejects Trump's Comments

Donald Trump Former President Donald Trump speaks during a Commit to Caucus rally, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in Ankeny, Iowa.

Former Trump chief of staff and retired Marine Gen. John Kelly has strongly refuted former President Donald Trump's recent comments comparing the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Medal of Honor. Kelly emphasized that there is no equivalency between the two honors, stating that they are 'not even close' in terms of significance.

Kelly highlighted the profound distinction between the two awards, explaining that the Medal of Honor is earned through extraordinary acts of bravery on the battlefield, often at great personal risk. He underscored the solemnity of the oath taken by service members, who pledge to defend the Constitution of the United States with their lives if necessary.

In contrast, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is typically awarded for achievements in various fields, such as sports or other notable accomplishments, rather than for acts of valor in combat. Kelly emphasized that the sacrifices made by recipients of the Medal of Honor far exceed those recognized by the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The Medal of Honor is earned through acts of bravery on the battlefield, while the Medal of Freedom is typically awarded for achievements in various fields.

Gen. Kelly emphasizes the vast difference in significance between the Medal of Freedom and Medal of Honor.

Recipients of the Medal of Honor make extraordinary sacrifices in defense of the Constitution.

Trump's recent remarks suggesting that the Presidential Medal of Freedom is 'much better' than the Medal of Honor due to the nature of the recipients sparked controversy. Trump implied that recipients of the Medal of Honor are often severely wounded or deceased, while recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom are recognized for different types of achievements.

Kelly's public disagreement with Trump's comments is not the first instance of tension between the two. Last October, Kelly corroborated reports alleging that Trump had made disparaging remarks about service members, referring to them as 'suckers' and 'losers.' Trump has denied making these comments, dismissing them as fabricated.

Despite Trump's denial, Kelly, a respected military figure and former close aide to the president, stands by his assertion that Trump made derogatory remarks about military personnel. Kelly's vocal criticism of Trump's comments underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the treatment of service members and the significance of military honors.