“Trump, His Father, and Children, Never Served a Day In The Military” – Filipkowski Slams Trump Jr.

According to a tweet posted on his official X handle (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, Ron Filipkowski, a criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor, has criticized Donald Trump Jr. for his recent comments regarding Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

The controversy began when Donald Trump Jr. tweeted an accusation that Governor Walz was guilty of “Stolen Valor,” a term used to describe someone who falsely claims military service or military honors.

Trump Jr.’s tweet simply read, “Tim Walz is guilty of Stolen Valor. Pass it on.”

This tweet quickly attracted widespread attention and backlash, with many accusing Trump Jr. of attacking a man who actually served in the military.

Tim Walz, a member of the Democratic Party, served 24 years in the Army National Guard, eventually reaching the rank of Command Sergeant Major before retiring.

Walz’s military service has been a well-documented part of his public life, making Trump Jr.’s accusations particularly inflammatory.

Ron Filipkowski responded forcefully to Trump Jr.’s tweet, highlighting the fact that none of the Trump family members, including Donald Trump, his father Fred Trump, and his children, have ever served in the military.

Filipkowski wrote, “Donald Trump, his father, and his children, none of them, ever served a day in the military. They don’t have the courage or the character. But they don’t hesitate to criticize those who do, as they did with John McCain, Mark Milley, John Kelly, Adam Kinzinger, and many others.”

Filipkowski’s tweet resonated with many who have long criticized the Trump family for their lack of military service.

Donald Trump himself has been criticized for avoiding military service during the Vietnam War by obtaining multiple draft deferments, including one for bone spurs.

This history has often been cited by critics who argue that Trump is quick to criticize military leaders and veterans while having never served himself.

The accusation of “Stolen Valor” against Governor Walz is particularly contentious given Walz’s lengthy and honorable military career.

The term “Stolen Valor” is typically used in cases where someone falsely claims to have served in the military or to have received military honors they did not earn.

The controversy over Trump Jr.’s tweet is the latest in a series of similar incidents where members of the Trump family have been accused of disparaging military service.

For example, Donald Trump famously criticized Senator John McCain, a former prisoner of war. “He’s not a war hero,” said Trump. “He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”

This comment was widely condemned as disrespectful to McCain’s service and sacrifice.

Additionally, Trump has had contentious relationships with several high-ranking military officials, including General Mark Milley, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and General John Kelly, his former White House Chief of Staff.

Both Milley and Kelly have been critical of Trump, particularly in relation to his actions surrounding the January 6th Capitol riot.

Trump has responded by attacking their characters and military service, despite his own lack of military experience.