Former President Donald Trump sparked controversy by claiming the Presidential Medal of Freedom is "much better" than the Medal of Honor, as recipients of the latter are often "in bad shape" or deceased. These remarks, made during an event at his Bedminster estate, drew sharp criticism from veterans groups, who accused Trump of diminishing the significance of the nation's highest military honor. Trump's campaign later clarified that he referenced the emotional experience of presenting the Medal of Honor, not denigrating its recipients.