WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former President Donald J. Trump has vehemently denied a recent Washington Post article that suggested he might propose mandatory military service for Americans. In a statement released on Twitter, Trump criticized the publication, calling the story “completely untrue” and accusing the Washington Post of fabricating the claim to damage his reputation.
“The Fake News Washington Post came up with the ridiculous idea that Donald J. Trump will call for Mandatory Military Service. This is only a continuation of their EIGHT YEAR failed attempt to damage me with the Voters,” Trump tweeted. “The Story is completely untrue. In fact, I never even thought of that idea. Only a degenerate former Newspaper, which has lost 50% of its Readers, would fabricate such a tale.”
The story in question, titled “In Trump’s orbit, some muse about mandatory military service,” is behind a paywall, which has not prevented it from sparking controversy and strong reactions.
Trump’s response underscores his ongoing battle with media outlets he deems as purveyors of “fake news,” a term he frequently uses to discredit reporting he considers inaccurate or biased. The Washington Post has yet to respond to Trump’s latest remarks.