Why Donald Trump Did Not Serve in the Military

Born in 1946, Trump reached draft age during the Vietnam War, a time when many young American men were subject to conscription under the Selective Service System.

During that period, Trump received five deferments, including four related to his education at Fordham University and later Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

The fifth deferment was a medical exemption, reportedly due to bone spurs in his heels, a condition that was cited as the reason he was deemed unfit for military service at the time.

It is important to note that both educational deferments and medical exemptions were relatively common during that era, and many individuals used similar legal avenues to delay or avoid military service.

Nevertheless, such decisions have remained part of public discourse, particularly when viewed alongside the experiences of those who served in combat during the conflict.

Trump has stated in past interviews that he opposed the Vietnam War and that his deferment was based on legitimate medical grounds rather than a lack of willingness to serve.

Critics, on the other hand, have questioned the circumstances surrounding the diagnosis, suggesting that broader issues of access, privilege, and influence may have played a role.