Trump’s age joke about 107-year-old D-Day veteran draws backlash | US | News
Trump made eyebrow-raising comments during his July 4th speech. (Image: Getty Images)
President Donald Trump made statements regarding the age of war veterans in his July 4th speech.
“On D-Day of World War II, Navy Lieutenant Arthur Rose commanded 36 landing craft as part of the largest naval fleet in history. Remembering the sight, he wrote to his family: ‘What a country we are!'” Trump said.
“At 107 years old, Lieutenant Rose is here to salute one of our nation’s most treasured possessions; the flag that flew over the first landing craft on D-Day and launched the first Americans onto the beaches of Normandy to liberate Europe and defeat Nazi fascism once and for all. Lieutenant Rose, you are an inspiration to this fine crowd, and we thank you so much – one amazing man. 107! He is 107,” the president continued.
“Imagine, 107 – he’s there, but hopefully he’s got 20 good years left,” the president said jokingly.
Social media users on X (formerly Twitter) were quick to respond to Trump’s comments.
“And his selfish ass resulted in the 107-year-old hero being used as a prop at Trump’s rally at 11:30 at night in inclement weather,” one user wrote.
“What way to remind someone of their mortality?” wrote another.
The president also emphasized “American strength and power” in a speech on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., following severe storms that disrupted Fourth of July celebrations.
“We also reiterate the fact that America’s strength and power is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s something we’re very, very proud of,” Trump said. he said. “This country has been the greatest force for peace and justice in the world over the last century. We have defeated tyrants, destroyed evil, and saved freedom again and again.”
While US President Donald Trump (out of frame) spoke, retired US Marine Corps veteran Patrick Finn (left) was on stage. (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Thousands of people endured sweltering temperatures in the nation’s capital to join in the celebrations.
Participants were forced to evacuate the building and take shelter in neighboring buildings due to extreme weather conditions; Chaotic scenes ensued as masses were photographed queuing at security checkpoints to re-enter the perimeter.
Before his speech, Trump noted that more than 375 thousand people came to the America 250 event, and 150 thousand people stayed despite the postponement.
The veteran is a D-Day survivor, but that didn’t stop Trump from making fun of him (Image: undefined)
“They estimated there were 375,000 people before everyone had to leave, now there are 150,000. This is the craziest thing ever seen,” Trump said.
“There is no way we can be deterred,” the president said, referring to his speech. Originally scheduled to speak at 9:45 p.m., his speech was postponed by more than an hour due to weather conditions.
Before the event, an official said the president would give a “historic speech” to commemorate America’s sesquicentennial.
