Donald Trump and JD Vance are coming to North Carolina to talk about national security Wednesday – a week after Trump disrespected and dishonored recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor.

CNN reported: “Trump was praising Republican megadonor Miriam Adelson, whom he awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom while in office, during remarks at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.”

He said:

“Miriam, I watched (Sheldon Adelson, her late husband) sitting so proud in the White House when we gave Miriam the Presidential Medal of Freedom. That’s the highest award you can get as a civilian, it’s the equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor, but civilian version. It’s actually much better, because everyone gets the Congressional Medal of Honor – that’s soldiers. They’re either in very bad shape because they’ve been hit so many times by bullets, or they’re dead. She gets it and she’s a healthy, beautiful woman, and they’re rated equal.”

No, the Medal of Freedom – which Trump gave to political cronies like Adelson, Rep. Jim Jordan and Rush Limbaugh – isn’t “much better” or “rated equal.”

The Department of Defense’s website says:

“The nation’s highest military award for valor is the Medal of Honor, presented by the president in Congress’ name. By law, only U.S. service members who distinguish themselves ‘through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty’ can receive the medal.”

Yes, recipients are often “in very bad shape” or “they’re dead.” They’re not always “healthy and beautiful.” They’ve often suffered horrific injuries and lasting disabilities.

Trump dishonors their valor.

They and all the men and women in our nation’s armed forces deserve a Commander in Chief who honors their service and sacrifice.

Trump doesn’t deserve the honor of commanding them.