Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., blasted Donald Trump on Wednesday for insinuating that U.S. troops stole money that was intended for Iraq.
Kaine said on MSNBC Wednesday morning that Trump’s remarks made him want to “go through the screen and shake” him, noting also that Trump made the comments on the 241st birthday of the Army.
“Yesterday was the birthday of the Army. He insinuated that American soldiers were stealing money in Iraq. He said that,” Kaine said.
Trump’s spoke about Iraq during a rally in Greensboro, N.C., and after the rally, Trump’s campaign said that he was not talking about American soldiers, but rather Iraqi soldiers.
“Iraq, crooked as hell,” Trump said. “How about bringing baskets of money — millions and millions of dollars — and handing it out? I want to know who were the soldiers that had that job, because I think they’re living very well right now, whoever they may be.”
But many said Trump’s remarks seemed aimed at U.S. soldiers, and Kaine said that take fits with Trump’s other remarks.
“Trump has been going around saying repeatedly the American military is a disaster. That’s a direct quote,” said Kaine, a member of the Armed Services Committee. “There’s 1.6 million people who serve in the military of this country voluntarily during a time of war, and one of them is one of my kids.”
“When I hear Donald Trump say the American military is a disaster, I want to go through the screen and shake the guy,” Kaine said. “We do not need a commander in chief who is going to talk about our troops with disrespect and contempt. We ought to have a commander in chief who talks about our troops with respect and gratitude. That’s why Secretary Clinton is down in Hampton today meeting with veterans and military families.”
