Trump, 80, Goes Off Script With Bizarre D-Day Analogy
The president drew an extraordinary comparison between delivering a weather-delayed July Fourth speech and the Allied invasion of Normandy.
President Donald Trump compared his determination to deliver a July Fourth speech after the National Mall was evacuated due to severe weather to U.S. soldiers storming the beaches of Normandy during World War II.
The octogenarian made the wild analogy during a phone call with Fox News host Bret Baier on Saturday, as he vowed to go ahead with what was largely a political speech on the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
Trump prepares to deliver remarks at the nation’s 250th birthday celebration.
Evan Vucci/REUTERS
Trump appeared to liken the bloody but heroic D-Day beach assault that marked a turning point in the war to his determination to deliver a speech in the face of some thunder and lightning.
Trump never served in the military; he received five military deferments during the 1960s, four for academic reasons and one for bone spurs.
Trump told Baier that he was prepared to give his delayed speech as late as 2 a.m. Sunday.
“Those veterans had to go through bad weather on D-Day,” Baier quoted Trump as telling him. “I’m going through bad weather. No matter what happens, I’m delivering this speech.”
Trump added: “Maybe it will be a little bit shorter, but I’m going to do it whether it’s 10 or 11 or even 2 a.m… If they can storm the beaches on D-Day, I can deliver a speech.”
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One critic on X responded by addressing Trump directly: “But you couldn’t go to Vietnam.”
An X user responds to Trump's comparison between a delayed political speech and D-Day.
Honest Abe REDUX/X/Honest Abe REDUX
Ultimately, Trump delivered his speech at 11 p.m. ahead of what he had promoted as the world’s biggest fireworks display.
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