Sometime in 1991, Donald Trump sends a letter to John Dearie, chairman of the New York State Assembly’s Committee on Cities, slamming veterans for setting up shop near his properties.
While disabled veterans should be given every opportunity to earn a living, is it fair to do so to the detriment of the city as a whole or its tax paying citizens and businesses?…
Do we allow Fifth Ave., one of the world’s finest and most luxurious shopping districts, to be turned into an outdoor flea market, clogging and seriously downgrading the area?
Donald J. Trump
Trump sends a second complaint in 2004, this time to Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
The Department of Consumer Affairs grants special vendor privileges to veterans as thanks for their service. This practice dates back to 1894.
Trump’s aversion to the military and veterans was instilled in him by his father.
“My father [Donald Trump’s brother, Fred Jr.] was frequently ridiculed for his career choices and disparaged for serving our country by both his father and by his brother Donald,” said Mary L. Trump, author of a critical book about the president. She said that given the family history regarding the military, it is “beyond comprehension” that her uncle is commander in chief.
The Washington Post
External Sources
New York Daily News (Archived)
The Washington Post (Archived)
Photo: Benjamin Faust