Debunking 'The Atlantic's' Claims About Trump and Vanessa Guillén's Funeral Expenses
Claims Against Trump
Vanessa Guillén's sister has criticized 'The Atlantic' for using anonymous sources to claim that President Donald Trump disparaged her sister after learning about the funeral expenses. Guillén's death at the hands of a fellow soldier and his girlfriend made national headlines in 2020. Trump offered support to the grieving family, extending death benefits, and even offering to cover the funeral expenses personally if the Army did not.
Allegations by 'The Atlantic'
Jeffrey Goldberg of 'The Atlantic' attempted to rewrite this narrative on Tuesday. He claimed that Trump was outraged when he discovered that Guillén's funeral, which required heightened security and street closures, cost $60,000. Based on an anonymous source, the magazine alleged that Trump said, “It doesn’t cost 60,000 bucks to bury a Mexican!” and instructed then-White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to refuse payment.
Response from Guillén's Sister
Mayra Guillén, Vanessa's sister, issued a statement on social media condemning 'The Atlantic's' portrayal of her experience with Trump. She accused the magazine of exploiting her sister's death for political reasons and stated that Trump showed nothing but respect to her family and Vanessa. Her statement has garnered over 3 million views.
Denials from Mark Meadows
Mark Meadows also refuted the allegations, stating that any suggestion that Trump disparaged Ms. Guillen or refused to pay for her funeral expenses is absolutely false. He insisted that Trump was kind, gracious, and committed to ensuring that the military and the U.S. government treated Vanessa Guillen and her family correctly.
Claims by 'The Atlantic' Disputed
Ben Williamson, Meadows's spokesperson, categorically denied that Trump ever made the alleged remarks. Despite providing these comments before publication, 'The Atlantic' chose to omit them, instead claiming that Williamson denied ever hearing such remarks. This is the second time 'The Atlantic' has published false claims against Trump. The magazine previously alleged that Trump refused to visit a veteran cemetery because he supposedly called fallen soldiers “suckers” and “losers.” It was later revealed that the trip to the cemetery was canceled due to poor weather, necessitating travel by helicopter.
Bottom Line
The controversy surrounding 'The Atlantic's' claims about Trump's reaction to Vanessa Guillén's funeral expenses raises questions about the use of anonymous sources and the potential for misinformation. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you think the magazine was right in publishing such claims, or do you agree with Guillén's sister and Meadows that the allegations are false? Share this article with your friends and let us know your thoughts. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6 pm.
