Operation Epic Fury, which has seen the US and Israel launch extensive airstrikes against Iran, has claimed the lives of six American service members.
Donald Trump has been criticised for a perceived lack of concern over the loss of life. During his brief remarks at a Medal of Honor ceremony yesterday, in the wake of the attacks, commentators noted that Trump appeared indifferent towards deaths, preferring to speak about his plans for the new ballroom at the White House.
This has prompted speculation over whether the self-styled “Peace President” would react differently if his own son was deployed.
With this in mind, former South Park writer Toby Morton has launched the satirical – and now viral – website: DraftBarronTrump.com.
The site mocks Donald Trump by encouraging him to send his youngest son, Barron, to war. It cites Trump’s “courage” and “proven genes” as arguments for sending his 19-year-old to war – while showing pictures of him napping.
“America is strong because its leaders are strong,” reads the subheading of the website. “President Trump proves that every day. Naturally, his son Barron is more than ready to defend the country his father so boldly commands.”
It concludes: “Service is honor. Strength is inherited. Dog Bless Barron.”
The site, described as “dedicated to honoring the strongest and bravest voices in war”, also features absurdist testimonials, including one by Barron’s brother Donald Trump Jr: “This moment is really about Barron, okay? Always has been. He represents strength, courage, and service. I’ll be honoring that sacrifice in my own way, mainly by talking about it from a safe distance.”
Another is signed Eric Trump: “People always say I’m stupid, which is totally unfair, because I understand a lot about pancakes. Pancakes are complex. You’ve got batter, heat, timing. If you rush it, you ruin everything. I think about pancakes a lot. Mostly pancakes.”
Morton, who has achieved notoriety for buying up website names and creating satirical sites, has promoted the website on social media, along with another site: ResignChuck.com, which calls for the resignation of Democratic party leader Chuck Schumer for his alleged lack of opposition to Trump’s actions.
The launch of DraftBarronTrump.com has led to the trending hashtag #SendBarron, with thousands of social media users demanding that Barron be called up to serve alongside the soldiers his father has sent into battle.
Check out some of the reactions below:
Many are also leaning into the sore spot that is military service for the Trump family.
Donald Trump famously used a bone spur diagnosis to avoid the Vietnam draft.
Dr. Elysa Braunstein and Sharon Kessel, the daughters of Queens podiatrist Dr. Larry Braunstein who signed the original bone spur diagnosis, told The New York Times that it was a “favour” from their father to Trump’s father, Fred Trump – who was Braunstein’s landlord.
Battlefield for Barron?
Probably not. However, Barron’s reason for avoiding basic training may be more legitimate than his father’s.
Barron is 6’9’’ (2m05), which is above the maximum height limit for most branches of the military, which cap enlistment height at 6’8’’ (2m03).