Veteran Rips Trump for ‘Staring Off Into the Abyss’ During Solemn Event

Key Points:

• Congressman Pat Ryan, a decorated Army veteran, criticized Donald Trump's behavior during a dignified troop transfer ceremony for four soldiers killed in the recent conflict with Iran, calling it "just pathetic" and highlighting Trump's lack of military service.
• The four soldiers honored were Army 1st Lt Tyler James Feehan, Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, and Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton; their deaths contribute to a total of 18 U.S. service member fatalities since the war began in late February.
• Ryan accused Trump of being disconnected from military sacrifice, referencing Trump's five draft deferments during the Vietnam War and criticizing his sons' financial ties to defense contractors benefiting from the conflict.
• Ryan urged Republicans to support a war powers resolution to end the conflict, condemning those who continue to back the war as accountable for the soldiers' deaths; the resolution passed the House with minimal Republican support.
• Following the ceremony, Trump gave a campaign-style speech in Georgia where he boasted about giving one of the grieving families a ride on Air Force One, framing the gesture as a personal and positive interaction.