During Thursday night’s CNN Presidential Debate, former President Donald Trump demanded an apology from President Joe Biden over a claim that Trump had disparaged a World War I cemetery as being filled with “losers and suckers.” Trump vehemently denied the allegation, which stemmed from a 2020 report by The Atlantic, and criticized Biden for perpetuating what he called a false narrative.
Trump emphasized his respect and care for the military, highlighting his administration’s support for soldiers and veterans. He refuted the claim by noting that multiple witnesses, including generals, had denied he ever made such a remark. “We had 19 people that said I didn’t say it,” Trump stated, insisting Biden should apologize for the accusation.
Biden, referencing a former staff member’s account, stood by the claim and refused to apologize. He defended his administration’s efforts for veterans, asserting that his policies have benefited them significantly.
In the debate, Trump also attacked Biden’s foreign policy, declaring that “the whole world is blowing up” under Biden’s leadership. He criticized the handling of the military, the withdrawal from Afghanistan, and Biden’s overall global standing. Trump claimed his administration had maintained peace and respect on the international stage, unlike the current administration.
Trump also took aim at Biden’s border policies, blaming them for increased crime and illegal immigration. He contrasted this with his own administration’s stricter border control measures and accused Biden of opening the border to dangerous individuals.
Responding to concerns about his actions on January 6, 2021, Trump defended his record, highlighting his administration’s achievements and accusing Biden of damaging the country’s reputation. He criticized Biden for what he called the weaponization of the government against political opponents.
The debate highlighted the deep divisions between the candidates on issues of military respect, foreign policy, border control, and governance, with each accusing the other of failing to uphold American values and security.
