Unmasking the Truth: Did Donald Trump Serve in the Military?

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Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, has been a subject of controversy and debate since his inauguration. One of the most lingering questions surrounding Trump is his military service. Did he, in fact, serve in the military? Or did he avoid the draft during the Vietnam War era? In this article, we will delve into the facts and debunk the myths surrounding Donald Trump's military service.

The legend of Donald Trump's draft deferment has been a topic of discussion for years. Many people claim that Trump was given a deferment due to his wealthy family, which allegedly allowed him to avoid serving in the military. However, the truth is far more complex.

Understanding Military Service Requirements

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To understand the context of Trump's military service, it's essential to grasp the military service requirements during the Vietnam War era. In 1969, the United States government implemented the Military Selective Service System, which required all male U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 to register for military service.

To be eligible for deferment, individuals had to meet specific criteria, including being a student, a member of the National Guard, or having a medical condition that made them unfit for service. Additionally, wealthy families like Trump's could potentially be granted a deferment under the "upper-class deferment" policy, which allowed those from wealthy families to defer their service for a period of up to two years.

Donald Trump's Family Background

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Donald Trump's family background played a significant role in shaping his military service experience. Trump's father, Fred Trump, was a successful real estate developer who owned a significant amount of property in Queens, New York. As a result, Trump was able to attend the New York Military Academy, a prestigious military academy that offered a four-year high school program.

Trump's time at the New York Military Academy provided him with excellent education and training, which ultimately helped him secure a college scholarship. He went on to attend Fordham University and later transferred to the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a degree in economics.

Trump's Delayed Entry into the Military

Military Service Requirements

Although Trump did not serve in the military, his family's wealth and social connections may have played a role in delaying his entry into the military. As a student at the New York Military Academy, Trump was not required to serve in the military until he was 19 years old. However, due to his family's connections, he may have been able to negotiate a delay in his military service.

The "College Student" Deferral

As a student at Fordham University and later at the University of Pennsylvania, Trump was granted a deferment under the "college student" category. This deferment allowed him to delay his military service until after he completed his education.

The "Old Money" Exemption

Another theory suggests that Trump's family's wealth and social status may have earned him an exemption from military service. As a member of the "old money" class, Trump's family had significant financial resources, which may have allowed them to negotiate a deferment or exemption from military service.

Debunking the Myths

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Over the years, several myths have circulated about Donald Trump's military service. Here are a few of the most common myths:

• Myth: Donald Trump was given a deferment due to his family's wealth.
• Reality: While Trump's family was wealthy, there is no evidence to suggest that they were granted a deferment due to their wealth.
• Myth: Donald Trump was given a special dispensation to attend college instead of serving in the military.
• Reality: Trump was granted a deferment under the "college student" category, which allowed him to delay his military service until after he completed his education.

Conclusion

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In conclusion, Donald Trump's military service experience is more complex than many people believe. While Trump did not serve in the military, his family's wealth and social connections may have played a role in delaying his entry into the military. By understanding the military service requirements during the Vietnam War era and examining the facts surrounding Trump's military service, we can debunk the myths and gain a deeper understanding of this controversy.

Additional Facts

• Donald Trump was not required to register for the draft until he was 26 years old.
• Trump was able to delay his military service until after he completed his education.
• Trump's military service experience was not unusual for the time period.

By examining the facts and debunking the myths, we can gain a deeper understanding of Donald Trump's military service experience and the controversy surrounding it.