President Donald Trump ignited controversy Wednesday with an unusual remark during a speech at the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota. While discussing the Congressional Medal of Honor, Trump mused about awarding it to himself and his sons, Don Jr. and Eric, using the word "threesome."
"I’m going to give one to myself, one to them, and we’ll have a threesome, OK?" Trump said. "I’ll give them the Congressional Medal of Honor for something — for their genius at hunting — and I’ll get one for taking on Russia, Russia, Russia or something."
The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest military award for valor, intended for those who distinguish themselves beyond the call of duty. Neither Trump nor his sons have served in the military. Trump received five deferments during the Vietnam War, four for college and one for bone spurs.
The president acknowledged the potential for media misinterpretation, stating, "Now, this is dangerous to say, because the fake news is up there all over the place and when I joke, I always I learned early on, don’t be sarcastic in politics." He added that he was "doing it with a chuckle" but that it was "very dangerous to say."
Despite his acknowledgment of the word's potential impact, Trump's "threesome" comment quickly drew sharp criticism online, with many critics expressing horror and dismay at the remark.