Gold star widow, Natasha De Alencar, is releasing the audio of a phone conversation she had with President Donald Trump in April. The president called to console her, after the death of her husband who was killed in Afghanistan. De Alencar is hoping that making the private call public, will show President Trump cares deeply about Gold Star families.
Florida Representative, Frederica Wilson | Photo credit Fox News
As most of you are aware, a Florida Democrat is accusing President Trump of disrespecting a Gold Star family. Rep. Frederica Wilson claims the president’s remarks to the grieving widow of Army Sgt. La David T. Johnson, were “incredibly insensitive.” But, another widow is coming forward to defend President Trump.
In the audio, received by the Washington Post, President Trump calls the fallen soldier a “hero.” “I am so sorry to hear about the whole situation. What a horrible thing, except that he’s an unbelievable hero,” Trump says about her husband Army Staff Sgt. Mark R. De Alencar. “Thank you. I really, really appreciated it,” the widow responds. “I really do, sir.”
In addition, the president offers his condolences to De Alencar’s children. “Say hello to your children, and tell them your father he was a great hero that I respected,” Trump says. “Just tell them I said your father was a great hero.” He also tells her that she is welcome to visit him in the Oval Office if she is ever in Washington.
Interestingly, this phone call contradicts the one Rep. Wilson alleges the president made to Myeshia Johnson. Speaking to reporters about the private call, Wilson posits that Trump did not know the soldier’s name. She also claims Trump told Mrs. Johnson her husband “knew what he signed up for when he enlisted but when it happens it hurts anyway.”
Politicizing the Tragedy
Democrat Congresswoman totally fabricated what I said to the wife of a soldier who died in action (and I have proof). Sad!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 18, 2017
Nevertheless, the president vehemently denies making those remarks. And given Wilson’s voting record on veteran’s issues, it’s not hard to believe she has an agenda. According to VoteSmart.org, she has voted against several measures that were intended to help veterans and their family members.
Incidentally, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly is defending President Trump’s call to Mrs. Johnson. Being a Gold Star father who lost his son in Afghanistan, Kelly understands how difficult these calls are to make and to receive. The retired general is also sharply criticizing Wilson for politicizing Sgt. Johnson’s death.
Wilson responded to Kelly’s criticism on Friday, by calling him a “racist.”
Listen to the phone call:
