Fact Check: Trump received 5 draft deferments

The Claim: "Trump received 5 draft deferments"

Introduction

The claim that Donald Trump received five draft deferments during the Vietnam War era has been a topic of discussion and controversy. This assertion suggests that Trump utilized various legal exemptions to avoid military service. The details surrounding these deferments, including their nature and the circumstances under which they were granted, are critical to understanding the claim's validity.

What We Know

1. Types of Deferments: According to multiple sources, Trump received four educational deferments while attending college and one medical deferment due to a diagnosis of bone spurs in his heels. The educational deferments were granted during his time at Fordham University and later at the University of Pennsylvania 258.

2. Selective Service Records: Trump's Selective Service records indicate that he was classified as 2-S (student deferment) multiple times before being reclassified as 1-A (available for military service) in late 1966. He was later granted a medical deferment 134.

3. Draft Lottery: In 1969, Trump was entered into the draft lottery, where he received a high number (356 out of 365), which ultimately meant he was unlikely to be called for service. This aspect has led to discussions about whether his deferments or the lottery system played a more significant role in his avoidance of military service 610.

4. Public Perception: The narrative around Trump's deferments has been polarized. Supporters may argue that he followed the legal processes available to him, while critics label him a "draft dodger" for utilizing these deferments 79.

Analysis

The claim that Trump received five draft deferments is supported by various reputable sources, including The New York Times and Snopes, which provide detailed accounts of the deferments and the context surrounding them. However, the reliability of these sources varies:

• The New York Times: As a well-established news organization, it is generally considered a reliable source. Their reporting on Trump's draft deferments includes thorough documentation and analysis 24.

• Snopes: Known for fact-checking, Snopes provides a detailed breakdown of Trump's deferments, emphasizing the medical aspect and the implications of the draft lottery. Their methodology typically involves cross-referencing multiple sources, which adds to their credibility 56.

• The Hill and PolitiFact: These outlets also report on the deferments, but they may have varying degrees of bias depending on the political context of their articles. PolitiFact, in particular, is known for its fact-checking but can be influenced by the political climate 810.

• The GunZone: This source provides a more in-depth analysis of the draft deferments but may have a specific agenda, which could affect its neutrality 7.

The claim's validity hinges on the interpretation of the deferments and the societal context of the Vietnam War. The distinction between legal deferments and the perception of dodging the draft is crucial. Additionally, the reliance on medical deferments, particularly for conditions like bone spurs, raises questions about the fairness and ethics of the deferment process during that era.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence supports the claim that Donald Trump received five draft deferments during the Vietnam War era, consisting of four educational deferments and one medical deferment. This conclusion is based on documented Selective Service records and corroborated by reputable sources such as The New York Times and Snopes.

However, it is important to note that while the deferments were legally obtained, the context surrounding them has led to polarized opinions. Critics often label Trump a "draft dodger," while supporters argue he utilized the legal options available to him. The societal implications of such deferments, especially regarding the medical diagnosis of bone spurs, add complexity to the narrative.

Limitations in the available evidence include potential biases in reporting and the subjective nature of public perception regarding military service and deferments. As such, while the claim is factually accurate, the broader implications and interpretations of these deferments remain contentious.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when assessing claims related to historical events and public figures.

Sources

1. Donald John Trump's Selective Service Draft Card and Selective Service Classification Ledger. National Archives. Link
2. Donald Trump's Draft Deferments: Four for College, One for Bad Feet. The New York Times. Link
3. Donald Trump's Selective Service Records. The New York Times. Link
4. How Many Vietnam War-Era Draft Deferments Did Trump Receive? Snopes. Link
5. Donald Trump's Draft Deferments. Snopes. Link
6. Understanding Donald Trump's Military Deferments: A Deep Dive. TheGunZone. Link
7. Trump was granted five draft deferments during the Vietnam War. The Hill. Link
8. Was Trump a 'draft dodger'? PolitiFact. Link