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Donald Trump's Vietnam War deferments have been a subject of public scrutiny and debate, particularly during his political career. Here's a concise overview of the key points:

Background: The Draft System

During the Vietnam War (1955–1975), the U.S. Selective Service System drafted men via a lottery system. Deferments were available for education, medical reasons, or occupational exemptions.
Trump, born June 14, 1946, became eligible for the draft in 1964 at age 18. The draft intensified as U.S. involvement escalated in the mid-1960s.
Trump’s Deferments

Educational Deferment (1964–1968)
Trump initially received a student deferment (2-S classification) while attending Fordham University (1964–1966) and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School (1966–1968). Such deferments were common for full-time students.
Medical Deferment (1968)
After graduating in 1968, Trump became eligible for the draft but received a medical exemption (1-Y classification) in 1968 for bone spurs in his heels. This classification meant he was only eligible for service in a national emergency.
In 1972, he was reclassified as 4-F (unfit for service), permanently exempting him.
Controversies and Criticisms

Legitimacy of the Medical Exemption: Skeptics questioned the severity of Trump’s bone spurs, noting his later active lifestyle (e.g., golfing). Reports suggested a doctor with ties to his father, Fred Trump, may have facilitated the diagnosis. The doctor’s identity remains undisclosed.
Privilege and Connections: Critics argue Trump’s wealth and family influence (his father’s real estate empire) likely played a role in securing the deferment, highlighting disparities in how draft rules were applied.
Trump’s Remarks:
During his 2016 campaign, Trump called bone spurs a “minor” and “temporary” issue, claiming he “forgot” the doctor’s name.
His 1990s comment about avoiding STDs being his “personal Vietnam” and criticism of Sen. John McCain’s POW experience fueled perceptions of insensitivity toward veterans.



Conclusion

Trump’s deferments were legal under the draft system, but they reflect broader criticisms of inequity in the Vietnam-era Selective Service, where wealth and connections often influenced outcomes. The medical deferment, in particular, remains contentious due to its timing, lack of documented severity, and Trump’s subsequent physical activity. These issues have contributed to debates about privilege, accountability, and military service in American politics.