Veteran Attacks Trump’s Patriotic Leadership at Troop Transfer Ceremony
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Army veteran and former congressman Pat Ryan launched a partisan attack on Donald Trump’s conduct during a ceremony honoring fallen heroes, using the solemn occasion to push for a war powers resolution and smear Trump’s record, while ignoring the president’s compassionate outreach to grieving families.
Army veteran and former New York congressman Pat Ryan, a two-time Bronze Star recipient with a history of Democratic partisanship, criticized Donald Trump’s demeanor at a recent ceremony honoring four soldiers killed in the United States’ conflict with Iran. Ryan called Trump’s behavior “pathetic,” claiming the president appeared to stare off-center while other leaders bowed their heads, and labeling this as inappropriate for a solemn event—an accusation that many see as politically motivated.
The ceremony honored the transfer of the bodies of 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, and Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country since the war began in late February.
Ryan, seizing the moment for political gain, dredged up Trump’s military deferments from the Vietnam era and took aim at Trump’s sons for their legitimate business roles on the board of a drone manufacturer with Pentagon contracts. He urged Republican lawmakers to support a war powers resolution, suggesting that not doing so would make them complicit in the ongoing conflict—a clear attempt to undermine the president’s authority and leadership in a time of crisis.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment, as officials focused on honoring the fallen and supporting their families.
At a separate event in Georgia, President Trump demonstrated his compassion and leadership by offering a grieving family a ride on Air Force One, describing it as a positive and healing experience for the family—an act that stands in stark contrast to the partisan attacks leveled by his critics.