President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that he is a war hero, telling conservative radio host Mark Levin that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is one and adding, “I guess I am, too.”
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment via email Tuesday evening.
Why It Matters
Trump’s remarks are likely to spark debate among both critics and supporters. They come amid shifting approval ratings as the public reacts to key developments in his presidency, including his administration’s handling of documents related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the federalized policing of Washington, D.C., and Russia’s war with Ukraine.
The comment could also touch a sensitive point for an important voter group: military veterans. The Trump administration is implementing cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs, which announced in July it would reduce staff by nearly 30,000 employees by the end of fiscal year 2025.
Veterans organizations, union leaders, and some members of Congress have raised concerns about how the cuts could affect veteran health care and support. In June, veterans protested against Trump’s parade celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
What To Know
Trump referred to himself as a war hero during his appearance on the Mark Levin Show, discussing his work with Netanyahu to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
He called Netanyahu “a good man,” adding, “he’s in there fighting.” Trump noted that while some critics want Netanyahu prosecuted on war crime charges, “he’s a war hero.”
“He’s a war hero because we worked together,” Trump said. “He’s a war hero. I guess I am too. Nobody cares. But I am too. I mean, I sent those planes.”
Trump has never served in a combat role. His reference to “sending those planes” pertains to airstrikes ordered in late June targeting three critical uranium enrichment facilities in Iran.
What People Are Saying
Former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger, an outspoken Trump critic and veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, reacted on X: “Trump just called himself a ‘war hero.’ Wow.”
X user Albert Sloan posted: “Add #WarHero to the list of #Trump’s great fake accomplishments.”
What Happens Next
Critics are likely to use the remarks to challenge Trump and his Republican Party as voters look toward the November 2026 midterms.
A major test of the president’s public standing will come on Labor Day, when a series of nationwide protests are planned. The group 50501—short for “50 protests, 50 states, one day”—has labeled the events “Workers Over Billionaires.”
A strong turnout could pressure Trump and undercut his claims of widespread support among Americans.
