Massachusetts

Local Gold Star Family Reacts to Trump Controversy

A Gold Star Family in Massachusetts is finding recent controversy surrounding President Donald Trump and what he allegedly said to an American soldier’s widow hard to take.

"This is my country," said Paul Monti in his Raynham home. "This is the greatest country in the world."

The love for his country is undeniable. There's an American flag on his front yard with another on his house. He even has a wagon full of Old Glory.

"That flag is the symbol of freedom that we have," said Monti.

In 2006, his son Jared died protecting the flag and everything it represents.

He calls the recent politicizing of Gold Star Families "disgraceful and disrespectful."

Earlier this month, Army Sgt. La David Johnson was killed in Niger.

On Tuesday, President Trump called his pregnant widow.

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said she was listening in.

“Sarcastically he said, 'but you know, he must have known what he signed up for'. How could you say that to a grieving widow?" said Congresswoman Wilson.

Wednesday, the president tweeted "Democratic Congresswoman totally fabricated what I said to the wife of a soldier who died in action (and I have proof). Sad!"

At this point, it is not clear if Mr. Trump has proof.

“When you lose a child, you’ve lost your future,” said Monti with a painting of his son sitting over his shoulder. "We don’t want to be involved in politics. It’s not a political thing. We lost a child. It’s not politics.” 

Contact Us