Trump, "Loser sucker comment is something only a beast would say"

by Paek Jongmin

Published 08 Sep.2020 08:47(KST)

Updated 08 Sep.2020 09:35(KST)

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Denial of Veteran Derogatory Remarks Again
Remarks Suggesting Conflict with Military Leadership Spark Controversy Again

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Donald Trump, the President of the United States, who found himself in a tight spot due to reports of derogatory remarks about veterans, repeatedly denied the remarks, calling them something only beasts would say. However, this time he sparked another controversy by attacking the military leadership he appointed.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 7th (local time), President Trump held a briefing and denied the report by the magazine The Atlantic that he compared veterans to "losers" and "suckers" during his 2018 visit to France, saying, "Who would say such things? Only beasts say such things."

He added, "There is no one who respects the military and those who have sacrificed their lives in the military more than I do," and claimed that about 15 related personnel have already denied The Atlantic's report.

The Atlantic caused an uproar in U.S. political circles by reporting on the 3rd that President Trump called fallen U.S. soldiers losers and suckers. This report completely contradicted President Trump's emphasis on honoring veterans and military service. President Trump also criticized The Atlantic, which had announced additional reports the previous day, saying they were fabricating stories.

President Trump actively defended himself against this scandal to avoid offending retired military personnel but left another source of concern.

On this day, President Trump mentioned that U.S. military personnel like him tremendously but said, "Senior officials at the Pentagon probably do not. Because they want to please the great companies that continue the war by making bombs and aircraft."