Former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger from Illinois took aim at President Trump’s assertion that he is a war hero following an Iranian attack, labeling the claim as disrespectful to those who fought in actual battles.
“This is just outrageous. Really, it’s absurd,” Kinzinger stated during an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett on Tuesday. “You see it when they try to commemorate the Army’s 250th anniversary and they include a photo of Trump in his military academy uniform. That has nothing to do with real military service, just training.”
Having retired from Congress in 2021, Kinzinger is now a senior contributor at CNN, offering his insights on Trump’s recent comments, which he made during an interview with conservative radio host Mark Levin.
In that discussion, Trump claimed, “He is the hero of war because we work together,” and expressed agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding, “I think so too.”
Trump went on to assert, “No one cares, but I do. I mean, I sent those planes,” referencing U.S. actions defending Israel by targeting Iranian nuclear sites.
Kinzinger, a veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, countered this rhetoric, although he expressed hope that Trump could help facilitate a peaceful resolution between Russia and Ukraine. “I hope he finds a solution in Ukraine,” he mentioned. “But claiming to be on the same level as those who actually served, that’s a disservice to those who have.”
“It’s frankly inappropriate for anyone to label themselves a war hero without having served,” he added, indicating his growing alignment with Democratic perspectives lately. “Those who don’t agree with that view are, frankly, mistaken.”
Kinzinger concluded, “But they’ll find a way to defend it, no doubt.”
Trump’s remarks come as he pushes for a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine and is advocating for another ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
