Trump Says He’s Always Wanted The Nation’s Highest Military Award | EUROtoday

President Donald Trump joked that he’s at all times needed to obtain the U.S.’s highest navy award, shortly after awarding the respect to a 100-year-old Korean War veteran throughout his State of the Union handle on Tuesday. (Watch video under.)

First girl Melania Trump offered retired Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams with the Medal of Honor within the last stretch of Trump’s speech.

“This brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves,” Trump mentioned. “He was a legend long before this evening.”

The second drew a chronic spherical of applause from these current, together with Democrats equivalent to Sens. Mark Kelly (Ariz.) and Elissa Slotkin (Mich.).

But Trump didn’t waste time entering into the struggle hero’s particular second as quickly as Williams took his seat to speak about himself.

“I’ve always wanted the Congressional Medal of Honor, but I was informed I’m not allowed to give it to myself, and I wouldn’t know why I’d be taking it, but if they ever open up that law, I will be there with you someday,” Trump mentioned.

Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot who was wounded within the raid that led to the seize of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro in January, was additionally offered with the identical award.

“That’s our highest honor, Congressional Medal of Honor, and that’s a big thing, and it’s an honor to be in the same room with you. Thank you both very much,” Trump mentioned, referring to the 2 recipients.

While Trump continued referring to it because the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest navy award is named the Medal of Honor though it’s offered “in the name of Congress of the United States,” The New York Times identified. The outlet additionally famous that Trump’s determination to award the respect throughout a political speech is extremely uncommon, as most presidents because the Vietnam War have awarded recipients on the White House.