Biden campaign releases ad criticising Trump's disrespect toward veterans

During the week of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, President Biden's reelection campaign released an advertisement criticising former President Trump for his remarks toward veterans.

The one-minute film, "What Trump Thinks," has excerpts from Trump that show him disparaging service people. Some of these statements have been refuted after they were originally made public.

Trump had previously denied saying the thing about "suckers," even though his former chief of staff, John Kelly, later verified it.

The video shows that Trump made fun of then-Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a Vietnam War prisoner, on many occasions.

Additionally, Trump was quoted as saying to a war widow that her spouse "knew what he signed up for." In 2017, Trump refuted having said those things.

The film, according to Michael Tyler, the director of communications for Biden's campaign, highlights the disparities in Biden's and Trump's attitudes toward veterans and military personnel.

Biden campaign communications director Michael Tyler argued in a statement that the video shows the difference between Biden's and Trump’s treatment toward veterans and service members.

“The choice this November could not be more obvious: Donald Trump has no respect for our men and women in uniform, their families, or the freedoms many of them gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend,” Tyler said.

“President Biden, a military father, values and respects soldiers and their families. President Biden will continue to deliver on getting veterans the health care and benefits they need and deserve. Donald Trump simply does not care,” Tyler added.

In reaction to the video, Biden was criticised by Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung, who pointed out that the vice president at the time had branded soldiers "stupid" during a military base speech and had been spotted wearing a watch during the respectful handover of those killed in the 2021 airport bombings in Kabul.

“Joe Biden has disrespected U.S. service members by calling them ‘silly bastards,’ showed his lack of empathy by repeatedly checking his watch during a solemn ceremony for soldiers killed during the catastrophic Afghanistan withdrawal, and been criticized by Gold Star families for his lack of respect. The fact is that under Biden, America is weaker on the world stage and has made America more vulnerable,” Cheung said.

The Biden campaign released an advertisement on Thursday that featured three veterans criticising Trump for being a “draft dodger” and said he is unsuitable to be the head of state.

The two filmsreleased as Biden commemorates the D-Day anniversary in France. During his comments on Thursday and Friday, he subtly mocked Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan and his "America First" agenda.

(With inputs from agencies)