Book SummaryOn Heroism, by Jeffrey Goldberg

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of On Heroism

Trump's disdain for military service members and his unsuitability for a position of leadership.

This segment of the book emphasizes Goldberg's key contention: Donald Trump's presidency was markedly inappropriate, especially in his role as the leader of the armed forces, because of his profound lack of respect for essential military values and his exhibition of individual fearfulness. Goldberg argues that his actions are clearly inappropriate due to his persistent demeaning of military staff, using military actions to further his political objectives, and his reckless approach to making decisions that have implications for national security.

Trump lacked the necessary ethical foundation and understanding to lead the military effectively.

Goldberg underscores that the former president did not grasp the essential values underpinning military service, nor did he have an adequate understanding of the concept of self-sacrifice. Goldberg argues that Trump views global affairs as a series of deals, failing to understand why individuals might jeopardize their personal safety for objectives that transcend their own gain. His lack of understanding of historical contexts and ethical principles related to warfare, along with a marked aloofness, made him an especially dangerous commander for the military.

Trump exhibits a profound lack of respect for the armed forces and the valor and commitment of its personnel.

Goldberg documents multiple occasions on which Trump displayed a deep lack of regard for the military and its personnel. The author recounts the infamous incident where Trump commented that he does not view John McCain as a war hero. His reputation for courageous deeds is linked to the time when he was detained as a captive amidst the hostilities. He persisted in belittling McCain, even after his death, for his time spent in captivity during the war. Goldberg recounts how Trump expressed annoyance when flags were lowered to half-staff to pay respects to McCain, and how he consistently questioned the notion of bestowing the hero designation upon a former POW, while also choosing not to support the commemorative services for McCain. Goldberg suggests that Trump's contempt for war captives originates from his deep-seated aversion to seeming vulnerable or absurd, prompting him to mock those injured in combat and show disregard for fallen soldiers. Goldberg recounts that Trump declined to pay his respects at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France, dismissing the soldiers who perished as "losers" and labeling the Marines who died at Belleau Wood as individuals who were foolish to have lost their lives.

Additionally, Goldberg recounts a distressing instance at a fallen Marine's burial site, where Trump reportedly asked the Marine's father, then serving as the Homeland Security Secretary, to explain why he was unable to grasp the motivations for his son's selfless act of giving his life. What could possibly be their benefit? Goldberg argues that asking this question reveals a profound misunderstanding of the non-transactional motivations that compel people to serve, and it also demonstrates a significant lack of respect for the personal sacrifices they make for their country. Goldberg emphasizes the discomfort experienced by the former president when around injured veterans, noting his directive to Milley that Captain Luis Avila, a veteran who had suffered severe injuries, be excluded from subsequent public gatherings.

Context

• This cemetery is located in France and is the final resting place for many American soldiers who died in World War I, particularly during the Battle of Belleau Wood, a significant conflict where U.S. forces played a crucial role in halting the German advance.

Other Perspectives

• The administration's policies aimed at strengthening the military's capabilities, such as advocating for NATO members to increase their defense spending, could be seen as a form of respect for the military's role and importance.
• The comments could be seen as an attempt to provoke discussion on what constitutes a war hero and who deserves such accolades in modern times.
• The decision not to lower flags could also be interpreted as a desire to reserve such honors for service members who died in the line of duty, rather than for political figures, regardless of their military service.
• Trump's approach to McCain's commemorative services could be interpreted as an adherence to his personal principle of frankness and authenticity, even in the face of traditional political decorum.
• The interpretation of Trump's comments as contemptuous could be subjective, and others might see them as blunt or straightforward rather than disrespectful.
• The inquiry about the Marine's sacrifice might have been an awkward but genuine expression of curiosity about what drives individuals to make such profound sacrifices, which could be outside of Trump's personal experience.
• Trump's decision to exclude a severely injured veteran from public gatherings could have been based on concerns about the veteran's comfort and well-being, rather...

On Heroism Summary The book scrutinizes the courageous deeds and underlying beliefs of figures like McCain, as well as individuals like Mattis and Milley.

This section underscores the clear disparity in leadership capabilities between a particular person and the admirable direction demonstrated by individuals such as John McCain, James Mattis, and Mark Milley. Goldberg argues that such individuals exemplify essential traits that are strikingly lacking in Trump, such as courage, integrity, a deep understanding of the military's role in a democracy, and an unwavering commitment to the Constitution.

John McCain epitomized the utmost bravery, ethical conduct, and unwavering dedication to his country.

Goldberg draws a comparison between John McCain's robust ethical constitution and the character shortcomings of Trump. The writer portrays McCain's unwavering commitment to the tenets of honor, particularly when he turned down an offer of early release during his time as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Goldberg argues that McCain's behavior powerfully illustrates his profound understanding of collective sacrifice, as well as his willingness to endure personal hardship for the sake of his fellow captives. Goldberg emphasizes McCain's deep-seated detestation for dictators and his fervent advocacy for the protection of freedom and the...

On Heroism Summary The peril to the safeguarding of the Constitution and the equilibrium of the American democratic system.

Goldberg contends that Trump represented an unprecedented threat to the democratic bedrock of the United States, showing a lack of respect for democratic norms, tendencies toward authoritarianism, and a willingness to erode constitutional safeguards for his own political gain. The writer argues that the behavior of Trump, culminating in the provocation of the Capitol disturbance on January 6, endangers the foundational values of the Republic.

Trump's disdain for democratic norms and authoritarian inclinations posed a threat to the foundational equilibrium of the Republic.

Goldberg argues that the Trump administration marked a dangerous departure from the democratic norms the United States has long maintained, displaying tendencies toward authoritarianism and a complete disregard for the essential tenets and structures that underpin the nation's governance. The author emphasizes how Trump's disparagement of the free press, attempts to delegitimize the judiciary, affinity for authoritarian leaders, and relentless dissemination of falsehoods and deceptive information reveal his disregard for the principles of democracy. Goldberg argues that the manner of communication and...

On Heroism Summary The task involved ensuring that the military remained impartial and committed to the principles outlined in the Constitution throughout Trump's presidency.

This part of the text describes how Mattis, Milley, and their peers in military leadership diligently upheld their commitment to the Constitution, ensuring its protection from attempts to manipulate it for political ends by the will of any one individual. Goldberg emphasizes the vital importance for a democracy to sustain a neutral military and points out the dangers that arise when the military's foundational principle of impartiality is at risk of being undermined by a president.

Individuals such as Milley devised tactics to shield the armed forces from Trump's efforts to use them for his political objectives.

Goldberg details the efforts of Mattis, Milley, and their peers to safeguard the integrity of the military from exploitation by Trump for his own political gain. The author elaborates on Mattis's firm resistance, during his leadership of the Department of Defense, to President Trump's efforts to meddle in military affairs, use the military for orchestrated public relations events, and employ troops in operations targeting U.S. citizens. Goldberg portrays Mattis as a staunch proponent of the principle that the military's allegiance should rest upon a bedrock of...

On Heroism Summary Attacks on American service members and veterans by Trump

This section of the narrative underscores a persistent pattern of disdain and antagonism that Trump has displayed towards American military personnel and veterans, highlighting his apparent lack of appreciation for their contributions and his failure to understand the struggles they have endured. Goldberg argues that the behavior of Trump not only displayed distinctive traits but also a deep-seated contempt for those committed to serving the nation.

Trump displayed a significant absence of empathy and sensitivity toward those dedicated to military service.

Goldberg's assertion is that Trump repeatedly demonstrated an absence of regard and compassion for military personnel and veterans, underscoring a profound disconnection with those who have dedicated their lives to military service. The author chronicles multiple instances where Trump belittled or mocked individuals who have made considerable sacrifices for their country, including his infamous insult directed at a respected senator who was a former prisoner of war and his outspoken criticism of Senator Tammy Duckworth, a veteran who lost her legs while serving in Iraq, calling her a "phony."

Goldberg also emphasizes the...

On Heroism Summary The importance of the armed forces' fidelity to the Constitution and their connection with civilian leadership.

Goldberg's final point in his book emphasizes the critical importance of a strong alliance between those in military service and the civilian population within a democratic society. The military's loyalty, he argues, should be unwaveringly dedicated to the core tenets of democratic governance and constitutional law, instead of allegiance to an individual leader. Goldberg argues that by adhering to this principle, individuals like Mattis and Milley took action to protect it, even when it meant opposing a leader whose behavior threatened the foundations of democracy.

The military's loyalty must be pledged to democratic institutions and the Constitution instead of being devoted to a sole leader.

The final part of the book underscores the critical importance of maintaining a neutral armed force within a democratic society and the dangers posed by any leader who seeks to erode this essential principle. Goldberg suggests that within the structure of the United States, it is the civilians' duty to lead, fund, and oversee, while the military faithfully executes commands that are legally given. The success of this model is dependent on the military's independence from political...