Why Donald Trump Didn’t Serve in Vietnam: The Truth Behind the Heel Spurs
Donald Trump avoided conscription in four different drafts—a fact that has long puzzled many given his athletic build and self-described physical vigor. But decades later, the reason became public:
a painful medical condition that officially exempted him from military service during the Vietnam War. The story touches on politics, privilege, and medical ambiguity, offering insight into why one of the most high-profile Americans of his generation stayed stateside while thousands of others went to war.
A Timeline of Deferments
Like many men of his era, Trump received multiple deferments—four for college while attending Fordham University and later the University of Pennsylvania. But in 1968, at the height of the Vietnam War’s deadliest year, his final deferment came not from academics, but from a medical diagnosis: bone spurs in his heels.
What Are Heel Spurs?
Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the underside of the heel bone. Often caused by repetitive stress or strain on the foot’s ligaments, they can lead to sharp pain or chronic discomfort, especially during prolonged standing or walking. Most cases are treated conservatively—with rest, orthotics, or anti-inflammatory medication—and many go undiagnosed unless symptoms worsen.
In Trump’s case, no surgical treatment was reported. He later claimed the condition “healed up over time,” and in interviews, has downplayed the long-term impact.
The Controversy
Questions about the legitimacy of Trump’s diagnosis have persisted. In a 2018 interview with The New York Times, Dr. Elysa Braunstein, the daughter of a Queens podiatrist, suggested her father may have helped Trump obtain the diagnosis as a favor to Fred Trump, who was their landlord. However, she acknowledged she could not confirm whether an examination actually took place.
Still, no evidence has emerged proving fraud or malpractice, and heel spurs remain a recognized medical basis for deferment.
Deferments and Privilege
Trump’s deferment was far from unique. During the Vietnam War, over 15 million men were eligible for the draft—but millions received exemptions or deferments, especially those from wealthier backgrounds. College students, men with medical issues, and those with political connections were often shielded from front-line duty. Notable peers with deferments include Dick Cheney (five), Bill Clinton (ROTC arrangement and draft lottery), and George W. Bush (Texas Air National Guard).
In this context, Trump’s exemption fits a broader pattern—one where class and connections often determined who served and who stayed home.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s avoidance of military service was legally grounded in a diagnosis of heel spurs—a painful but treatable condition. Whether that diagnosis was purely medical or quietly influenced by family connections remains a matter of public debate. Still, his deferment reflects a larger truth about the Vietnam War era: that privilege and access to resources frequently played a decisive role in who bore the burdens of combat. For Trump, the diagnosis kept him home. For many others, the war would define the rest of their lives.