**Trump's Remarks on Veterans' Injuries Draw Criticism**

Former President Donald Trump recently reignited controversy among military veterans by downplaying the severity of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) suffered by U.S. troops during a 2020 Iranian missile strike on an airbase in Iraq. At a campaign event in Milwaukee, Trump was questioned about his response to the missile attack on the Ain al-Asad air base that injured over 100 soldiers. Rather than addressing the serious nature of the injuries, Trump dismissed them as mere "headaches."

Trump’s comments have provoked strong reactions from veterans' groups and former military personnel. Dan Barkhuff, president and founder of Veterans for Responsible Leadership, was particularly vocal. Barkhuff, a former Navy SEAL and current ER physician, condemned Trump’s remarks as "really insulting" and indicative of a significant misunderstanding of military injuries and modern warfare.

Barkhuff pointed out that the injuries sustained by troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are documented medical conditions with long-lasting effects. He highlighted that brain injuries from explosive blasts could lead to severe neurological issues, including early dementia, periods of unconsciousness, and difficulty with daily tasks.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a 24-year veteran of the Minnesota National Guard, also criticized Trump’s comments. During a recent debate, Walz connected the remarks to what he described as Trump's "fickle leadership," which he claimed had brought Iran closer to developing nuclear weapons. Walz emphasized the severity of the TBIs, arguing that Trump had trivialized them by referring to them merely as headaches.

Social media has also seen a flurry of criticism against Trump. Mike Lavigne, an Army veteran and senior adviser at Vote Vets, declared that Trump’s disparaging remarks disqualified him from leading the armed forces again. Similarly, the Veterans for Harris account labeled the comments as "one of the most vile" Trump has made, emphasizing the gravity of TBIs that affected over 100 soldiers during his presidency.

Newsweek has reached out to Trump’s campaign for a response but has yet to receive a comment. The outcry from veterans suggests a growing frustration with Trump’s recurring insensitivity toward military injuries and the experiences of service members.