Why Donald Trump has Not Been Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and Bravery for Defiance to the Shooter

The question of whether Donald Trump should be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and bravery during the January 6th, 2021, events at the U.S. Capitol arises from a broader debate about the proper application of military honors to individuals not engaged in traditional military service. This article delves into the qualifications for such honors and why Trump, despite his actions, does not meet these criteria.

The Question of Appropriateness

The awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor requires an extraordinary level of courage and heroism. The medal is typically bestowed upon military personnel who display bravery 'above and beyond the call of duty' and in combat situations, often involving the risk of death or serious injury. This standard applies regardless of the individual’s role or civilian status in the event of an attack.

Why Donald Trump Does Not Qualify

While Donald Trump did show defiance and embraced the “MAGA” flag during the January 6th assault, and his actions were widely praised, this does not qualify him for the Congressional Medal of Honor. Several key points must be considered:

1. Military Service

Donald Trump has never served in the military. He avoided service during his presidential term by paying a medical deferment, a move that enabled him to focus on his business interests. His refusal to serve was a breach of the draft laws of the time, and thus disqualifies him from any military honor, including the Congressional Medal of Honor.

2. Lack of Military Bravery

The Congressional Medal of Honor is specifically designed for military personnel who protect others or display exceptional bravery under fire. Trump's actions, though commendable, were not in a combat situation or with the direct intent to save lives under the immediate threat of death or injury. His defiance was a form of political defiance rather than military bravery.

3. Barred from Military Service

Due to his advanced age and 34 felony convictions, Donald Trump is ineligible to serve in the U.S. military, even if he wished to do so. An individual must be in the armed forces and engaged in combat to be eligible for the Congressional Medal of Honor. Therefore, his actions, while admirable, do not meet the strict criteria required for the award.

Understanding the Eligibility Criteria

The Congressional Medal of Honor is highly prestigious and reserved for those who display 'such gallantry in action or distinguished bravery' that it is in the interest of the nation to commend such gallantry with the highest possible decorum. To qualify, an individual must be:

Currently or formerly serving in the Armed Forces of the United States Commencing actions that involve actual conflict with an opposing external armed force in which the individual risks death or serious bodily harm Performing acts of extraordinary heroism and personal bravery in combat

Donald Trump's actions on January 6th, while displaying courage and defiance, do not meet these criteria. His display of the “MAGA” flag and his speech do not constitute military bravery or actions taken in direct combat.

Conclusion

The Congressional Medal of Honor is a highly respected and prestigious award. It is reserved for those who have demonstrated the utmost bravery and courage in combat situations. While Donald Trump's actions during the January 6th events were courageous, they do not fulfill the stringent criteria required for a military honor like the Congressional Medal of Honor and bravery. The award should be reserved for those who truly deserve it, based on the criteria set by the U.S. military and the Congress.