From Rolling Stone · Ryan Bort · · 1m 20s
Trump wants to dip Iwo Jima memorial in gold
The president posted an image of the iconic war memorial coated in gold, sparking outrage from veterans.
In brief
The president posted an image of the iconic war memorial coated in gold, sparking outrage from veterans. Trump's proposal to gild the Iwo Jima memorial has drawn sharp criticism from veterans who see it as disrespectful to fallen Marines. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Trump posts gold memorial image
The president shared an image of the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial surrounded by construction equipment and coated in gold on social media.
What the memorial represents
The Marine Corps War Memorial depicts U.S. troops raising the American flag after the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, one of the most iconic images in military history.
It honors fallen Marines
The memorial is inscribed with a dedication to Marines who have given their lives since November 10, 1775. It's meant to be a place of remembrance, not decoration.
“In honor and in memory of the men of the United States Marine Corps who have given their lives to their country since November 10, 1775.”
Veterans respond with anger
A former Marine and editor wrote on social media that if Trump tries to paint the memorial gold, he would storm the Capitol, reflecting deep offense at the proposal.
“If he tries to paint that gold I will storm the Capitol.”
Part of broader renovation push
Trump has been focused on renovating Washington D.C., including threatening to tear down the Kennedy Center if courts won't let him put his name on it.
The key point
Trump's proposal to gild the Iwo Jima memorial has drawn sharp criticism from veterans who see it as disrespectful to fallen Marines.
