President Donald Trump has never served in the U.S. armed forces, but he reportedly wants to give himself the nation’s highest military honor anyway.
The Wall Street Journal reported over the weekend that Trump has “mused” about awarding himself the Medal of Honor.
The medal is bestowed by the president on service members who, according to the official criteria, “distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity, risking loss of life above and beyond the call of duty” in one of three circumstances.
Those are engaging in military action against a U.S. enemy, in military operations with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces in an armed conflict.
It’s not apparent how or why Trump thinks he may qualify, given that he has never served in the military. During the Vietnam War, Trump received four deferments for college and one for bone spurs in his heels.
