In an emotional speech to a crowd of union workers in Pittsburgh, President Joe Biden discussed the military service of his family members and condemned former President Donald Trump's disparaging comments about service members. Referring to Trump's alleged remarks, Biden revealed that he was not making them up, stating that the staff who were with Trump at the time acknowledged them as well.

The remarks in question were reportedly made by Trump during his 2018 trip to Paris for the centennial of the end of World War I. According to reports, Trump declined to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and referred to Marines who died at Belleau Wood as "suckers" and fallen soldiers at the U.S. cemetery as "losers."

Former White House chief of staff John Kelly had confirmed last year that Trump privately made these comments, corroborating an initial report by The Atlantic. However, in response to Biden's statement, the Trump campaign denied Trump ever making such comments. The national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, labeled Biden's remarks as an "old and tired lie" designed to deflect attention from Biden's alleged weaknesses as a Commander in Chief.

In his speech, Biden tied Trump's remarks directly to his own family, mentioning his son and his uncle. This marked the first time Biden had done so, emphasizing the personal significance of Trump's comments. During a campaign rally in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden had already expressed his offense at Trump's remarks, questioning, "Who the hell does he think he is?" Biden referred to the fallen soldiers as heroes and received loud applause for his statement.

The memory of Trump's comments resurfaced for Biden while visiting a war memorial in Scranton, further fueling his determination to condemn the former president's disparaging remarks. Biden's visit to Pittsburgh was part of a three-city tour of Pennsylvania, where he aimed to engage with voters and underscore his commitment to honoring and respecting the sacrifices of service members.

As the discourse surrounding Trump's alleged comments continues, Biden's emotional response highlights the importance he places on acknowledging the bravery and dedication of all Americans who have served their nation. This latest criticism from the President signifies the contrasting approaches to military service between the current and former administrations, setting the stage for an ongoing debate on the role of the military and its members in the country.