Gold Star father Khizr Khan expressed his disappointment with former President Donald Trump's recent comments comparing the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Medal of Honor. Trump had stated that the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which honors civilians, is 'much better' than the Medal of Honor, which is awarded to military personnel for acts of valor.
Khan criticized Trump's remarks, calling them divisive and emphasizing that both awards hold significant value in recognizing the service of the recipients. He highlighted that each award has its own importance and should be honored equally.
Trump made the controversial statement while praising Miriam Adelson, a Republican megadonor to whom he had awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom during his presidency. He described the Presidential Medal of Freedom as the highest civilian award, likening it to the Congressional Medal of Honor but suggesting it was superior because not everyone receives the Medal of Honor.
Responding to Trump's comments, Khan, known for his impassioned speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, expressed his lack of surprise at the former president's words. GOP Rep. Brian Mast, an Army veteran from Florida, defended Trump's comparison, stating that while the Medal of Honor holds greater significance due to its association with combat service, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is also highly esteemed among civilians.
Mast emphasized that the Presidential Medal of Freedom is a prestigious honor that many aspire to receive, noting the distinction between the two awards and the varying contexts in which they are presented.
