Trump Jokes About Being Shot at Rally with Gold Star Family
During a campaign rally in Oaks, Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump made an inappropriate joke about being shot after being introduced to a Gold Star family who lost their son, Michael, in the war in Afghanistan. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem acknowledged the family’s loss before inviting them on stage, prompting Trump to quip that it was ‘a little harder to get up since I got shot.’
Noem reminded Trump of the family’s loss with the comment, ‘Sir, they lost their son Michael.’ Trump then engaged the Gold Star parents, Mary and Charles Strange, who requested a congressional hearing into the circumstances of their son’s death.
Charles Strange explained that his son was killed on August 6, 2011, alongside 29 other service members, marking one of the largest losses in the Iraq and Afghan wars. He expressed frustration over the lack of answers regarding the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
In response, Trump promised to set up a commission to investigate their concerns within the first week of his new administration, stating that many families are in similar situations and seek clarity about their loved ones’ fates. His comments included a pledge to prioritize other campaign promises as well.
This incident highlights Trump’s controversial style of humor and his approach to addressing sensitive issues related to military families and veterans.