12 times Trump provoked a backlash with the US military and veterans in 2018

President Donald Trump often claims he's been better for the military and veterans than his predecessors.While he has boosted the defense budget and given troops the largest pay raise in nearly a decade, he has also strirred controversy throughout his role as commander in chief.From a foiled parade to stigmatizing comments about combat veterans, Trump has faced consistent criticism for his treatment of the troops.President Donald Trump has often praised himself for how much he loves "his military."From increasing the US defense budget to calling for a showy military parade to rival any other, Trump presents himself as a champion of the armed forces and veterans.But his showmanship has sometimes irked the very group he aims to praise.From his continued threats to use troops to build a border wall to his public spats with widely respected military heroes, here are 12 ways the president provoked controversy with the military and veterans in 2018.1. "I want a parade like the one in France."In February, The Washington Post reported that Trump had ordered the Pentagon to begin planning a parade to rival France's Bastille Day celebration, which he and Melania Trump attended in July 2017.But by August, the estimated cost of the parade ballooned to $92 million, and the president cancelled the effort.2. Trump falsely claimed he gave service members their first pay raise in a decade.He didn't.Military pay has increased every year since 1975, save one. The 2.6% increase effective January 1, 2019, will be the largest raise since 2010, when service members saw a 3.4% bump in their basic pay, according to Military Times.3. The president tweeted a controversial Memorial Day message ... to himself."Happy Memorial Day!" Trump tweeted. "Those who died for our great country would be very happy and proud at how well our country is doing today. Best economy in decades, lowest unemployment numbers for Blacks and Hispanics EVER (& women in 18years), rebuilding our Military and so much more. Nice!"He faced backlash for the tweet, which seemed more a celebration of himself than a remembrance of those who have died in combat.It would have served him better to stick with his 2017 Memorial Day message, which said, "Today we remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in serving. Thank you, God bless your families & God bless the USA!"See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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