Trump told a group of veterans he was talked out of giving himself a Medal of Honor
While congratulating a World War II veteran for receiving a Medal of Honor, President Trump revealed that he wanted to give himself the award, but was talked out of it by aides.
The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force, bestowed upon distinguished members of the military. Trump met several recipients at the American Veterans' annual convention Wednesday in Louisville, Kentucky, and singled out one of them, Woody Williams, during his speech.
"That was a big day," Trump said. "Medal of Honor. Nothing like the Medal of Honor. I wanted one, but they told me I don't qualify, Woody. I said, 'Can I give it to myself anyway?' They said, 'I don't think that's a good idea.'" A few people in the audience laughed, Politico reports.
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Trump did not explain what he did to think he deserved a Medal of Honor. His aides were right to tell him he wasn't eligible, as you have to serve in the military and show bravery while facing danger in order to qualify.
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Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com. Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com, The New York Times, The Book of Jezebel, and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
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