Ironically, many Trump supporters and some in the media have hailed former President Donald Trump as a hero following a near-fatal incident he faced where he narrowly survived an assassination attempt at a campaign rally. This characterization is quite extraordinary, particularly among those who remember Trump’s history and public remarks, and considering Trump’s persistent cowardly attacks on his political opponents and our democracy.
It is undeniably ironic to call Trump a hero. This is the same man who famously belittled Senator John McCain’s military service, saying, “He’s not a war hero. He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.” These words, uttered during the 2016 presidential campaign, struck at the core of what many Americans consider heroic. They starkly contrasted with the honor typically granted to those who have endured and sacrificed in service to their country. Was Trump a hero then, as he dismissed the valor of a man who spent years in a Vietnamese prison camp?
Moreover, Trump’s avoidance of the Vietnam War draft due to bone spurs has long been a contentious issue. While many young men of his generation were sent to fight in a brutal conflict, Trump managed to avoid it. This was clearly an act of self-preservation which stands in stark contrast to the heroic sacrifices that many American patriots have made throughout our history.
Was Trump a hero when he mocked a disabled reporter, making exaggerated, disparaging gestures that shocked and appalled many? The incident was widely condemned as cruel and unpresidential, hardly the behavior one associates with a hero.
And what about the events of January 6, 2021, when Trump incited an insurrection at the Capitol? This dark day in American history saw violence, death, and a direct assault on the democratic process. Was Trump a hero then, as he stood accused of fueling division and unrest?
Then there are Trump’s interactions with racist groups. Was he a hero when he praised white supremacist groups, or when he failed to unequivocally condemn their actions? His statements during and after events like the Charlottesville rally left many questioning his commitment to equality and justice.
Was Trump a hero when he separated families at the border, resulting in children being detained in widely criticized conditions?
Was Trump a hero when he attempted to ban Muslims from entering the country, seen by many as discriminatory and unconstitutional?
Was Trump a hero when he downplayed the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, even as the virus claimed hundreds of thousands of American lives?
Was Trump a hero when he repeatedly attacked the free press, labeling journalists as the “enemy of the people” and undermining their role in a democracy?
Was Trump a hero when he perpetuated false claims of widespread voter fraud, culminating in an attempt to overturn a legitimate election?
Was Trump a hero when he pressured state officials to “find” votes, as evidenced by recorded phone calls raising serious legal and ethical concerns?
Was Trump a hero when he undermined confidence in the electoral process, contributing to a deeply polarized and mistrustful political climate?
Was Trump a hero when he abandoned longstanding allies, such as the Kurds in Syria, causing a humanitarian crisis and destabilizing the region?
Was Trump a hero when he promoted conspiracy theories, like QAnon, that incited violence and spread misinformation?
Was Trump a hero when he enacted policies that rolled back environmental protections, ignoring the growing threat of climate change?
Was Trump a hero when he cozied up to autocratic leaders, often praising their leadership while alienating democratic allies?
Was Trump a hero when he pardoned convicted war criminals, undermining the military justice system and sending a troubling message about accountability?
So, what defines a hero? Is it surviving a dangerous situation, or is it the consistent demonstration of courage, integrity, and empathy? Trump’s record is filled with moments that starkly contradict the traditional qualities we attribute to heroes.
Given these questions, the current narrative of Trump as a hero feels paradoxical. Is heroism about momentary survival, or is it about a lifetime of actions that reflect the best of human values? Trump’s entire life has been about preying on the weak, character assassinations, attacking our democracy, sexually assaulting women, defrauding charities, and lying his way to the White House. There has been nothing heroic about Trump’s actions.
While some may see Trump pumping his fist after surviving an assassination attempt as a testament to his resilience, it’s quite difficult for rational Americans to conveniently overlook the numerous instances where his words and actions fell short of heroic ideals.
Ultimately, the irony in calling Trump a hero lies not just in the contrast between his past and present but in the broader reflection on what we, as a society, choose to celebrate and uphold. It forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about our values and the figures we elevate. True heroism is not defined by a single act of survival, but by a lifetime of unwavering courage, integrity, and empathy that uplifts others and reflects the best of human values. And one thing is for sure – Donald Trump is not a hero.
