Washington, D.C. — The family of Vanessa Guillén, the slain Army private whose tragic death at Fort Hood sparked national outcry, is speaking out against a recent report by The Atlantic that alleges former President Donald Trump made disparaging remarks about Guillén and other fallen soldiers. The report, authored by journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, has come under fire from the Guillén family, who have denounced the claims as “absolutely false.”
The Atlantic Report and Trump Allegations
The Atlantic published a report that included allegations claiming Trump had made derogatory remarks about U.S. soldiers who were killed in action, with Vanessa Guillén’s name reportedly mentioned in connection to these comments. According to the article, Trump allegedly referred to fallen soldiers as “losers” and “suckers,” sparking immediate backlash from veterans’ groups, families, and political figures.
However, Guillén’s family has pushed back strongly against the claims, asserting that their sister’s death should not be politicized.
Guillén Family’s Response: ‘Exploiting My Sister’s Death for Politics’
Mayra Guillén, Vanessa’s sister, took to social media and various news outlets to vehemently reject the story, accusing the report of using her sister’s name to fuel a political agenda. “Exploiting my sister’s death for politics is beyond offensive,” Mayra Guillén said, emphasizing that her family has never heard any such remarks made by Trump. She went on to state that their family does not want Vanessa’s name dragged into partisan debates, especially when it involves unverified claims.
CNN Anchor Apologizes for Reading Alleged Trump Quote
Following the fallout from The Atlantic article, a CNN anchor who had read parts of the report on air later issued an apology for presenting the alleged comments without proper verification. The apology came after increased pressure from viewers and critics who were concerned about the ethics of repeating potentially false information. This incident has further fueled the controversy surrounding the report and the media’s handling of sensitive stories involving military families.
Guillén’s Legacy and National Reform
Vanessa Guillén’s name became a rallying cry for military reform after her brutal murder in 2020 revealed systemic issues of sexual harassment and violence within the ranks. Her story prompted widespread protests and the eventual passage of the “I Am Vanessa Guillén Act,” aimed at protecting military personnel from similar abuses.
Despite this recent controversy, the Guillén family continues to focus on their advocacy for military justice reform and honoring Vanessa’s memory. They remain critical of those using her story for political gain, asserting that their primary mission is to ensure no other soldier faces the same fate.