Former President Donald Trump praised wealthy donor Miriam Adelson, whom he awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as having received a “better” award compared to the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor. Trump made the comments at a campaign event discussing antisemitism, with Adelson introducing him. Trump noted that recipients of the Medal of Honor are often either deceased or injured, while Adelson is a healthy woman. Trump awarded Adelson the Medal of Freedom in 2018 for her donations and work as a doctor.
The Medal of Freedom was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy to honor civilians who have contributed to the interests of the United States, world peace, or other cultural endeavors. Over 600 civilians have received the honor in its more than 60-year history. In contrast, the Medal of Honor, established in 1861, is awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of one’s life above and beyond the call of duty in combat. There have been 3,519 recipients of the Medal of Honor, with 60 living recipients.
Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, have criticized Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz for his military record, with Vance questioning Walz’s decision to retire from the National Guard before deployment. Walz has defended his service. The Medal of Freedom and the Medal of Honor serve different purposes and criteria, with the former honoring civilians for various contributions to the country and the latter recognizing military members for acts of valor in combat.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
