Kamala Harris campaign and war veterans criticize Trump's “stupid comments” on the Medal of Honor

Former President Donald Trump has come under criticism for claiming that the Presidential Medal of Freedom is “much better” than the United States’ highest military award.

Al Lipphardt, commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), criticized former President Trump for his “idiotic” comments on the Medal of Honor award.

At a campaign rally in New Jersey on Thursday, Trump sparked controversy when he claimed the Presidential Medal of Freedom was a “better” award than the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the U.S. armed forces. The Medal of Honor is awarded to soldiers who demonstrate “outstanding gallantry and fearlessness above and beyond the call of duty at the risk of their lives.”

In contrast, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to civilians for “extraordinary contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”

Trump compared the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Medal of Honor, saying, “It's the equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor. But the civilian version is actually much better because everyone who receives the Congressional Medal of Honor is a soldier.”

In response, VFW national commander Al Lipphardt condemned Trump's comments on Friday comparing the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Medal of Honor, according to The Hill.

Lipphardt criticized the comments as “idiotic,” saying they “not only diminish the significance of our nation's highest award for valor, but also grossly characterize the sacrifices of those who risked their lives above and beyond the call of duty.”

Similarly, Harris' campaign expressed strong disapproval. Spokeswoman Sarafina Chitika noted that voters “owe it to our soldiers” not to vote for Trump. She added, “Donald Trump knows nothing about serving anyone or anything but himself.”

“His insulting of Medal of Honor recipients, just as he has previously attacked families of Gold Star recipients, mocked prisoners of war, and called those who lost their lives in service to our country 'suckers' and 'losers,' should remind all Americans that we owe it to our soldiers, our country, and our future to ensure that Donald Trump never again becomes our nation's commander in chief,” she added.

(With contributions from agencies)