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By Robert Birsel and Sonam Sheth
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President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that he's a war hero, telling conservative radio show 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 on Tuesday evening.
Why It Matters
Trump's comments, which will likely stir debate among the president's critics and supporters, come amid fluctuating approval ratings as the electorate responds to key policies and developments in his presidency, including his administration's handling of the uproar over documents related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the federalized policing of Washington, D.C., and Russia's war with Ukraine.
Read More on Politics
The president's remark could also strike a sensitive chord with an important constituency for all U.S. politicians: military veterans. The Trump administration is making cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs, which announced in July that it will reduce its staff by nearly 30,000 employees by the end of fiscal year 2025.
Veterans organizations, union leaders and some members of Congress have voiced concern over what the cuts could do to veteran health care and support.
In June, veterans held protests against Trump's parade celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary.
What To Know
Trump referred to himself as a war hero while speaking with Levin, a staunch Israel advocate, during the host's eponymous Mark Levin Show, as the president discussed working with Netanyahu to free the remaining hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Trump called Netanyahu "a good man," adding that "he's in there fighting."
The president went on to say that although some want Netanyahu prosecuted on war crime charges, "he's a war hero."
"He's a war hero because we worked together," Trump told Levin. "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 been deployed or fought in a war. When he told Levin on Tuesday that he "sent those planes," he was referring to ordering airstrikes in late June targeting three critical uranium enrichment facilities in Iran.
What People Are Saying
Former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger, an ardent Trump critic who served in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, expressed shock at the president's remarks, writing on X: "Trump just called himself a 'war hero.' Wow."
X user Albert Sloan wrote in a post: "Add #WarHero to the list of #Trump's great fake accomplishments."
What Happens Next
Trump's critics will likely seize on the comments in efforts to undermine support for the president and his Republican Party as voters look ahead to the November 2026 midterms.
A major test for the president's public standing is set for Labor Day, with a planned series of nationwide protests against him. The group 50501 that emerged early this year and is short for "50 protests, 50 states, one day," has labeled the upcoming demonstrations "Workers Over Billionaires."
A significant turnout will pressure Trump and weaken the extent to which he can say he commands broad backing among Americans.
The Associated Press contributed reporting to this article.
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