Following US and Israel strikes on Iran, Americans launched the #SendBarron hashtag calling for Trump’s youngest son to enlist, but his towering height may disqualify him
Furious Americans are demanding that if a full-scale war necessitates a military draft, members of the Trump family should also be expected to serve.
However, a medical exemption could potentially shield 19-year-old Barron Trump from national service.
Early on Saturday, the president announced that the US and Israel had initiated strikes against Iran following days of diplomatic talks “to ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon”. In retaliation, Iran launched counterstrikes targeting Israeli and US interests across the Middle East.
As images of explosions circulated on social media, Americans expressed their fury at the prospect of the US becoming embroiled in another Middle Eastern conflict. Given the likelihood of ground troops being deployed, social media users called for Donald Trump to make a personal sacrifice by sending his youngest son, Barron, to serve in the conflict.
Over the weekend, the hashtag #SendBarron was trending on X, reports the Irish Star.
“#SendBarron. Would certainly send a message of solidarity with our troops, and gratitude for the sacrifices they make every day,” one user posted.
“POTUS is chilling at his own country club whilst starting WWIII #SendBarron,” commented another.
However, a military medical exemption could potentially exempt the teenage Trump from military service.
Barron towers at an impressive 6’9”, which could potentially make him too tall for the Army, especially for roles that involve confined spaces such as armoured vehicles, tanks, or aircraft. Typically, maximum height restrictions (for instance, 80 inches/6’8″ in the US Army) are implemented to ensure safety and compatibility with equipment.
Should Barron secure a medical exemption, he wouldn’t be the first member of his family to sidestep military service. Dr Larry Braunstein, a podiatrist based in Queens who passed away in 2007, diagnosed Trump with bone spurs as a favour to his father, Fred Trump, thereby helping him dodge the military draft. Dr Elysa Braunstein and Sharon Kessel, daughters of the late doctor, relayed to the New York Times how their father would often recount the tale.
“It was family lore,” Elysa Braunstein shared with the Times, noting that the story was “something we would always discuss” among family and friends. In the 1960s, Dr Braunstein leased his office in Jamaica, Queens, from Fred Trump, as per records obtained by the Times. The two daughters informed the publication that their father offered the diagnosis of bone spurs as a courtesy to the senior Trump.
“I know it was a favour,” Ms Braunstein said, adding that this “small favour” granted her father “access” to Fred Trump. Prior to this medical exemption, Trump had deferred military service four times whilst pursuing his education.
In a 2016, Trump revealed that a physician “gave me a letter – a very strong letter – on the heels” to submit to draft officials. Curiously, during that same conversation, Trump couldn’t recall the doctor’s name.
Heel spurs are bony protrusions caused by calcium build-up on the heel bone. Treatment options include stretching routines, orthotic devices, or surgery in more severe cases. The president confirmed he never went under the knife for the condition.
