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THE GRIEVING MOTHER of a US soldier slain in an ambush in Niger reportedly said that President Donald Trump had disrespected her son during a call he made to offer his condolences.
“President Trump did disrespect my son and my daughter and also me and my husband,” Sergeant La David Johnson’s mother, Cowanda Jones-Johnson, told the Washington Post.
She said she agreed with an earlier account of the conversation given by a lawmaker who heard part of the call and accused Trump of insensitivity after he told Johnson’s pregnant widow that the young soldier “knew what he was signing up for”.
Frederica Wilson, a Democratic congresswoman from Florida, said she listened in to part of a group phone call between the president and the grieving family.
“I didn’t hear the whole phone call, but I did hear him say, ‘I’m sure he knew what he was signing up for, but it still hurts,’” she told CNN.
Trump denied making the comments, tweeting today: “Democrat Congresswoman totally fabricated what I said to the wife of a soldier who died in action (and I have proof). Sad!”
He later told reporters: “I did not say what she said,” and that “I had a very nice conversation.”
When asked about what “proof” he could offer, Trump said: “Let her make her statement again then you will find out.”
Johnson was among four US soldiers killed on 4 October in Niger, where Islamic State fighters have established a presence.
The Miami native’s body was returned home yesterday afternoon. He is survived by his wife Myeshia Johnson, who is expecting the couple’s third child.
After the phone call, Myeshia “was crying, she broke down. And she said ‘he didn’t even know his name,’” said Wilson, referring to Trump.
Trump had faced criticism for not contacting the families of the soldiers killed in Niger right away.
At a press briefing on Monday, he said he had written them letters and would call soon, while accusing his predecessor Barack Obama of neglecting to call as many grieving families as himself.
He also suggested on a call to Fox News radio yesterday that Obama had not made a condolence call to retired Marine general John Kelly, Trump’s White House chief of staff, after his son was killed in action in Afghanistan.
The statements sparked outrage from former Obama aides, who said Trump’s claims were baseless.
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Great news they could do with a lot more tri colours up there
The shop in Belfast sells Union Jacks too!
Dont know why I got a load of down arrows. The shop in Belfast does indeed reflect the diversity of the city ie you can buy Union Jacks etc.
Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water there Trap.
Great news, every day another company closes it’s doors and here’s one creating employment!!! Serious negativity going on here! 250 staff that’s quite a few people!
Trap is explaining why he doesn’t try out new young players.
40 shades of tat is sold in that shop. I suppose American tourists and their money are easily parted so fair play them
Who cares what they sell or who they sell to. They employ 250 staff and pay their taxes which is very welcome in this current climate. Well done Carrolls.
Well done Colm Carroll. Great Irish success story now opening in Belfast.
shop is a rip off
Dunphy shows us his recommendation for new Ireland manager.
It’s not Eamon Dunphy.
Or funny.
Was intended to be funny. Never mind. I’ll get my coat.
Well done to all at Carroll’s. A great enterprise and a fantastic story that hard work and dedication really does pay off. The first shop opened in the recession of the 80s. That’s saying something!!!
Fantastic news from a great Irish success story. What’s with negativity folks? Great to have Irish owned business do well here and in the north. Well done to all at Carrolls.
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