A shocking report has emerged revealing former President Donald Trump’s outburst over the funeral expenses of slain U.S. Army soldier Vanessa Guillén. According to The Atlantic, Trump raged when he learned the funeral cost $60,000, and his reaction has drawn widespread criticism.
Vanessa Guillén, a 20-year-old soldier stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, was brutally murdered in 2020 after enduring sexual harassment from a fellow soldier. Her tragic death sparked national outrage, leading to protests and investigations into the military’s handling of sexual harassment and assault cases.
Trump’s Outburst Over Funeral Costs
In a meeting at the White House, Trump reportedly asked his advisors about the funeral expenses after he had promised to assist with the costs. When an aide confirmed the bill amounted to $60,000, Trump allegedly responded with anger, exclaiming, “It doesn’t cost 60,000 bucks to bury a f***ing Mexican!” The comment reportedly shocked those present at the meeting.
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According to insiders, Trump directed his chief of staff, Mark Meadows, not to pay the bill, reneging on his earlier promise. The bill, which covered the costs of Guillén’s burial in her hometown of Houston, was eventually settled through donations and partial assistance from the U.S. Army.
Guillén Family’s Gratitude Despite the Incident
Despite the controversy, Guillén’s family has expressed gratitude for Trump’s initial support during their time of grief. In a statement relayed by the family’s attorney, Natalie Khawam, Guillén’s sister, Mayra Guillén, praised Trump, saying, “I am beyond grateful for all the support President Donald Trump showed our family during a trying time.” However, the unpaid funeral bill still leaves many questioning Trump’s true intentions.
The Aftermath of Vanessa Guillén’s Death
The murder of Vanessa Guillén prompted widespread outrage and led to a damning investigation into Fort Hood’s handling of sexual harassment and assault cases. The investigation revealed a culture of neglect, with 14 staff members either dismissed or disciplined. It also uncovered 217 unreported cases of sexual harassment and 93 credible accounts of sexual assault.
In the wake of these findings, Fort Hood was renamed Fort Cavazos to honor the memory of Guillén and acknowledge the failures of leadership at the base.
Trump Denies Controversial Comment
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for Trump, Alex Pfeiffer, denied the former president ever made such a comment, calling the claims an “outrageous lie.” However, The Atlantic’s report has yet to be retracted, and the controversy lingers as the 2024 election approaches.
Trump’s handling of Vanessa Guillén’s funeral expenses, particularly his alleged offensive remark, continues to raise questions about his conduct and his treatment of military families.
