Trump makes shocking claim about himself and Netanyahu
US President Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu (Photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump, who received five deferments from military service during the Vietnam War, has called himself and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu war heroes, reports Politico.
Trump once again found himself at the center of controversy following his bold statement.
In a phone interview with conservative host Mark Levin, he compared himself to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and declared himself a war hero for approving airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
“He’s a war hero. I guess I am too. Nobody cares. But I am too. I mean, I sent those planes,” Trump said, referring to the June 2025 strike on Iran’s underground facilities, which he claimed was aimed at halting Tehran’s nuclear program.
The statement sparked controversy, as Trump has never served in the armed forces. Moreover, he received five deferments from the Vietnam War draft, including a medical exemption after being diagnosed with bone spurs in his heels at age 22.
Notably, Trump has previously stirred outrage over remarks about veterans: in 2015, he belittled Senator John McCain’s military service, and in 2020, The Atlantic reported on his alleged disparaging comments about fallen soldiers - claims Trump strongly denied.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu and Trump recently discussed Israel’s planned offensive in Gaza.
In turn, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the launch of construction of a settlement that would split the West Bank and cut it off from East Jerusalem - a move that would block the creation of a Palestinian state.
Read more about why Israel aims to fully seize the Gaza Strip in RBC-Ukraine’s report.
