Former President Donald Trump has stirred controversy once again, this time by claiming that a medal he bestowed upon a billionaire donor is “much better” than the prestigious military Medal of Honor. This statement has raised eyebrows and drawn criticism from veterans and political observers alike.

The incident occurred during a recent fundraising event, where Trump reminisced about his time in office. He recounted giving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, to a wealthy supporter. In a moment of apparent bravado, Trump declared, “You know, it’s interesting with [the donor], I gave him a medal. It’s actually, believe it or not, harder to get than the Congressional Medal of Honor.”

Trump’s comparison has sparked outrage among military veterans and their supporters. The Medal of Honor, often referred to as the Congressional Medal of Honor, is the United States’ highest military decoration, awarded for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. It is reserved for those who have displayed extraordinary heroism in combat, often at the risk of their own lives.

Critics argue that Trump’s statement diminishes the sacrifices made by Medal of Honor recipients and demonstrates a lack of understanding or respect for military service. Some have pointed out that the process for awarding the Medal of Honor is rigorous and involves extensive vetting, unlike the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is awarded at the discretion of the sitting president.

This is not the first time Trump has faced backlash for comments about military honors. During his presidency, he was criticized for his remarks about war heroes and Gold Star families.

As news of this latest statement spreads, it remains to be seen how it will impact Trump’s standing among military voters and his broader base of supporters. What is clear, however, is that the former president’s penchant for controversial statements continues to generate headlines and divide public opinion.