“How much this man cares about those Who are willing to Die For that Flag” Green Beret Accuses Trump
According to a report by Fox News on Thursday, August 22, 2024, Congressman Mike Waltz, the first U.S. Army Green Beret elected to Congress, is staunchly defending former President Donald Trump against accusations from Democrats that he does not care about military servicemembers or veterans.
Waltz, a Republican representing Florida and the leader of the Veterans for Trump coalition, has dismissed these claims as unfounded, arguing that his personal experiences with Trump paint a very different picture.
“I’ve seen him firsthand. I don’t care what reporting is out there. I’ve seen it with my own eyes, how much this man cares about those who are willing to die for that flag,” Waltz told Fox News Digital. His remarks come at a time when Trump is facing renewed criticism from Democratic leaders, who have questioned his commitment to the nation’s military and its veterans.
Waltz, who was in Chicago on Wednesday for a GOP press conference intended to counter-program the Democratic National Convention, has become a prominent voice in defending Trump’s record with veterans. His firsthand experiences with Trump, both during his time in office and afterward, have led him to believe that the former president’s dedication to servicemembers is genuine and deep-rooted.
Democratic criticism of Trump has intensified in recent weeks as the 2024 presidential campaign heats up, with some accusing Trump of neglecting veterans and using them as political props rather than genuinely supporting them. These accusations have been amplified by reports and statements from Democratic leaders, who argue that Trump’s policies and rhetoric have harmed the military community.
However, Waltz and other Trump allies are pushing back strongly against these claims. They argue that Trump’s record speaks for itself, pointing to initiatives such as the expansion of the Veterans Choice Program, which allows veterans to seek care outside the VA system, and the creation of the VA Accountability Office, which aims to improve the quality of care for veterans.
“President Trump has always made it a priority to take care of our veterans and servicemembers,” Waltz said. “From increasing funding for the VA to ensuring that our military is well-equipped and well-prepared, his actions have consistently demonstrated his commitment to those who serve.”
Waltz’s defense of Trump is part of a broader effort by the GOP to solidify Trump’s support among veterans and military families, a key voting bloc that could prove crucial in the upcoming election. The Veterans for Trump coalition, which Waltz leads, has been actively campaigning to highlight Trump’s record and counter what they see as misleading narratives from the left.
During the press conference in Chicago, Waltz and other GOP leaders also took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, arguing that her policies would weaken the military and undermine national security. They criticized her stance on defense spending, her approach to foreign policy, and her record on veterans’ issues, claiming that she lacks the experience and judgment needed to lead the nation’s armed forces.
As the Democratic National Convention continues this week, Republicans are expected to maintain their focus on military and veterans’ issues, hoping to draw a sharp contrast between Trump and Harris on matters of national security. They believe that by highlighting Trump’s record and challenging the Democrats’ narrative, they can sway undecided voters and strengthen Trump’s position among key constituencies.
The battle over military and veterans’ issues is likely to remain a central theme in the 2024 campaign, with both sides seeking to claim the mantle of being the true champion of those who serve.
For Waltz and other Trump allies, the stakes are high, as they work to ensure that the former president’s legacy on these issues is not overshadowed by the attacks from his opponents.
In the coming weeks, as the campaign intensifies, the debate over who truly supports America’s servicemembers and veterans will likely grow even more heated, with each side eager to prove that they have the best interests of those who serve at heart.