Trump Wants To Give Himself a Medal of Honor | Command Post

General Hertling argues that the State of the Union, as dictated by Article Two, Section Three of the Constitution, is meant for the President to inform Congress and the American people about the nation's status, strategy, and future vision. The recent address, however, was perceived as a 'show' filled with ceremonies and individual recognitions, lacking a clear strategic outline or vision for the country.

The President's speech included extensive glorification of the military and police, and numerous ceremonies, rather than a detailed strategy or future vision.

The former President claimed the U.S. military 'obliterated Iran's nuclear weapons program' with 'Operation Midnight Hammer.' This claim is directly contradicted by ongoing diplomatic efforts and the continued demand for Iran to give up its nuclear capabilities, indicating the problem was not solved.

The President stated, 'Last June, the United States military obliterated Iran's nuclear weapons program with an attack on Iranian soil known as Operation Midnight Hammer.' Yet, months later, the U.S. was still demanding Iran give up its nuclear capabilities and sending officials for negotiations.

The President claimed to have 'ended eight wars' in his first 10 months, including conflicts in Cambodia, Thailand, Pakistan/India, Gaza, and between Kosovo/Serbia, and Egypt/Ethiopia. The hosts provide specific counter-evidence, noting that U.S. soldiers remain in Kosovo, the Gaza conflict is ongoing, and the India-Pakistan situation remains tense, with the Indian Prime Minister denying Trump's significant involvement.

The President listed wars he ended, including Cambodia, Thailand, Pakistan/India, Gaza, and Kosovo/Serbia. General Hertling states U.S. soldiers are still in Kosovo, the Gaza war is ongoing, and India-Pakistan peace talks over Kashmir have not occurred.

The President's repeated statement that he wished he could give himself the Congressional Medal of Honor, and the expedited awarding of a Medal of Honor within a month of the action, demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the award's significance. The hosts emphasize that the Medal of Honor is for 'conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the Call of Duty' in combat, often requiring years of investigation, and represents service to something larger than oneself, not a prize to be won.

The President stated, 'I've always wanted the Congressional Medal of Honor, but I was informed I'm not allowed to give it to myself.' A recent Medal of Honor was awarded within a month, whereas such a process typically takes 1-3 years.

Responding to Senator Marco Rubio's statement that 'armies do not fight for abstractions,' General Hertling counters that while armies fight for a nation and way of life, the most important things soldiers fight for are the people next to them and the values they hold dear. He highlights that the U.S. military swears an oath to defend the Constitution—a 'piece of paper with abstractions' like values, personal liberties, and equality—which is a unique and profound commitment.

Senator Rubio stated, 'Armies do not fight for abstractions.' General Hertling responded that soldiers fight for the people next to them and for values like respect, equality, and freedom, which are enshrined in the Constitution, the 'piece of paper' they swear to defend.