During a Wednesday appearance on CNN’s “OutFront,” New Jersey Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill sharply criticized President Donald Trump, saying she believes he “despises military service.”
CNN host Erin Burnett pointed to Sherrill’s own background as a veteran and noted that she has endorsed 13 fellow veterans running in midterm elections. Burnett referenced Sherrill’s argument that sending veterans to Congress means electing public servants “trained to run toward the fight” and willing to challenge the status quo, then asked whether Sherrill felt the same standard should apply to the White House.
Sherrill responded by accusing Trump of showing contempt for those who serve in uniform. She cited his past deferment over what she called “made-up bone spurs,” alleging that a doctor connected to his father helped him avoid military service. She also referenced reports that Trump had described service members as “suckers and losers.” Sherrill then linked that view to Trump’s choice of Pete Hegseth for a top military role, calling him unqualified and pointing to allegations of sexual assault and harassment, as well as what she described as a record of professional failures. In her view, placing Hegseth in such a critical position reflects poorly on Trump’s regard for the military and has consequences for both national security and the people serving in the armed forces.
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