In recent years, Donald Trump has enjoyed solid support from military veterans, a key demographic for any Republican presidential candidate. In 2016, he won about 60% of veterans’ votes, thanks to his promises of a stronger military, better care for veterans, and his posture as a fierce defender of American patriotism. However, recent data and trends suggest that Trump is losing support among this critical group, and there are several key reasons behind this shift.
One of the biggest blows to Trump’s standing with veterans has been reports of his controversial remarks regarding those who serve in the military. In 2020, The Atlantic published a report claiming that Trump referred to American soldiers killed in action as “losers” and “suckers” during a 2018 trip to France. Though Trump has consistently denied these allegations, they have been corroborated by multiple sources. These comments, alongside others where Trump seemingly disrespected former war heroes like the late Senator John McCain, have damaged his image among veterans, many of whom view such remarks as fundamentally disrespectful.
Veterans tend to hold service and sacrifice in high regard, and for some, Trump’s comments contradict the values of honor and respect that are central to their identity. Many saw Trump’s disparagement of McCain—a prisoner of war for five years—as a crossing of a line that cannot easily be undone.
Despite some early successes in veterans’ policy, such as the expansion of the Veterans Choice Program, which allowed some veterans to seek care outside the VA system, Trump’s overall handling of veterans’ issues has faced criticism. The VA under his administration made progress in reducing wait times, but some of the changes, such as the privatization push of certain VA services, have been met with skepticism. Many veterans are protective of the VA system and worry about losing access to specialized care that private sector providers may not be equipped to handle.
Furthermore, while Trump initially promised significant reforms, several scandals emerged within the VA during his tenure, and many veterans felt the administration failed to deliver on its promises of comprehensive improvement. Coupled with the perception that he did not prioritize veterans’ needs beyond political rhetoric, this has eroded trust among many in the veteran community.
Trump’s response to national crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and racial unrest in the U.S., has also played a role in alienating some veterans. Military service often instills a sense of duty, responsibility, and respect for democratic norms. When Trump downplayed the seriousness of COVID-19, politicized mask-wearing, and criticized military leaders for opposing his positions, it did not sit well with many veterans who viewed these actions as inconsistent with leadership values.
His controversial deployment of National Guard troops during protests, particularly in Washington, D.C., in 2020, also caused concern among some veterans who believed it politicized the military. Veterans are particularly sensitive to the use of military force against American citizens, viewing it as a potential threat to democracy, which many had fought to protect.
Biden’s Appeal to Veterans
Joe Biden, Trump’s opponent in the 2020 election, has worked hard to appeal to veterans. His personal story of loss and his late son Beau’s military service in Iraq resonate with many veterans. Biden has consistently framed himself as someone who understands the sacrifices that military families make. Additionally, Biden’s emphasis on unity and healing contrasts with Trump’s often divisive rhetoric, which appeals to veterans seeking stability after years of tumultuous politics.
Biden’s outreach efforts, combined with his longstanding relationships with military families, have allowed him to make significant inroads with this critical demographic, particularly among younger veterans and those who served in recent conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s previous stronghold on veterans is slipping, due to his controversial remarks about military personnel, the perception of unfulfilled promises regarding veterans’ care, and his leadership style during crises. As veterans look for candidates who respect their service, offer meaningful reforms, and provide steady leadership, Trump faces growing challenges in securing their votes in the future. While some veterans still support him, the erosion of this once solid base reflects a broader shift in the political landscape for a candidate who once prided himself on his appeal to America’s military.