Trump puts his foot in it again but this time on a Mental Health issue, revealing the ignorance stigma id still real among leaders.
ABC NEWS ARTICLE TODAY
" TRUMP DEFENDS REMARKS ON VETERAN'S MENTAL HEALTH"
US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign has defended comments he made on combat veterans and mental health, after some said his remarks implied service members diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were weak.
At an event with veterans in Herndon, Virginia, Mr Trump called for better mental health services for those returning from combat, saying while many are "strong," others "can't handle" what they have seen on the battlefield.
The response struck some as insulting to veterans struggling with PTSD, as the Republican candidate works to motivate traditionally conservative military voters to support him in the November 8 presidential election.
Retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, one of Mr Trump's advisers on military issues, said in a written statement the candidate's comments were taken out of context "in order to deceive voters and veterans."
Marine Staff Sergeant Chad Robichaux, whose question at the event prompted Mr Trump's statement, said the critical reaction was "sickening" and accused others of manipulating his words.
"I took his comments to be thoughtful and understanding of the struggles many veterans have," said Mr Robichaux, an Afghanistan combat veteran who has been diagnosed with PTSD.
Mr Trump made his remarks at an event hosted by a political action committee called Retired American Warriors.
The Republican candidate has cast himself a champion of veterans during his campaign and in July pledged to reform federal programs for war veterans.
He attended a military preparatory school but did not serve in the US military.
Joe Donnelly, a Democratic US senator from Indiana, was one of the first to criticise Mr Trump's remarks.
"We need to dismiss the idea that mental health issues signify weakness, and reinforce that there is strength in seeking help," Mr Donnelly said in a written statement.
PTSD was among the most talked about topics on Twitter on Monday, as many social media users responded to Mr Trump's comments.
Neither the US Department of Veterans Affairs nor the campaign for Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, immediately returned requests for comment.
Emergency, police & ambulance (24 Hrs)
Connect with a lifeline crisis supporter (24 Hrs)
Suicide callback service (24 Hrs)
Kids helpline (24 Hrs)
13 YARN