Former President Donald Trump has drawn criticism and sparked a backlash among veterans and Democrats with his recent comments regarding military awards. During a pro-Israel event in New Jersey, Trump stated that an award recognizing civilian contributions to society is "much better" than one bestowed on members of the military, as many recipients of military awards are wounded or killed in combat.

The controversial remarks came as Trump compared the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which he had previously awarded to Miriam Adelson, to the Congressional Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is reserved for exceptional acts of valor on the battlefield, while the Presidential Medal of Freedom is considered the highest U.S. civilian award and historically honors individuals for their significant contributions to society.

Trump's comments were met with swift condemnation from various groups, including VoteVets, a pro-Democratic organization that supports veterans running for office. In a statement, the group criticized Trump for not only disrespecting veterans and their sacrifices but also for harboring animosity towards them. They argued that Trump's remarks revealed his lack of understanding and respect for the service and sacrifice of military members.

This is not the first time Trump has faced backlash for denigrating the military. Last year, his former chief of staff, John Kelly, confirmed allegations that Trump had privately disparaged deceased service members as "suckers" and "losers." Despite denying these claims, Trump's comments continue to fuel criticism of his attitude towards the military.

Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign was quick to denounce Trump's latest remarks, stating that he "knows nothing about service to anyone or anything but himself." Harris-Walz campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika called attention to Trump's past attacks on Gold Star families, prisoners of war, and his disrespect towards those who lost their lives in service to the country. The campaign emphasized the need to ensure that Trump never becomes the nation's commander in chief again.

In response to the criticism, Trump's campaign chose not to directly address his comments. Instead, they shifted the focus to Harris's involvement in the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan. Trump senior adviser Brian Hughes criticized Harris for allegedly bragging about being the last person in the room before the decision was made.

Trump's running mate, Senator JD Vance, downplayed the controversy, asserting that Trump "loves our veterans and honors our veterans." He argued that Trump's comments were not meant to denigrate military personnel but rather to praise the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Vance regarded the two awards as distinct and unrelated.

Trump's history of making disparaging comments about military service has drawn widespread outrage. From questioning the heroism of Senator John McCain, a prisoner of war, to his recent controversial remarks, Trump's attitude towards the military has been a source of contention. The latest controversy also coincides with criticism directed towards Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris's running mate, regarding his portrayal of his own military service.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom has often been awarded to prominent figures in culture and politics, including several of Trump's political allies. While the Medal of Honor recognizes acts of exceptional bravery on the battlefield, other military awards, such as the Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star, also honor acts of valor that do not meet the Medal of Honor's stringent criteria.

The nomination process for the Medal of Honor involves gathering evidence, testimonies, and various levels of approval within the military hierarchy before being presented to the President for final approval.

As the controversy surrounding Trump's comments continues to escalate, the divide over his treatment of the military and veterans remains a poignant issue, with significant implications for future political discourse.