Video Shows Trump Appearing Disinterested as Guide Recounts Medal of Honor Hero Falling on Grenade

Donald Trump turned away from a museum guide's account of a Medal of Honor recipient nearly dying to save a fellow Marine, greeting people nearby as the guide described the devastating grenade blast.

The moment came during Trump's Thursday visit to the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, where he toured exhibits before signing legislation for a new Medal of Honor monument in Washington.

Video from a Fox broadcast shows a guide discussing Marine Corporal William 'Kyle' Carpenter, who was severely wounded in Afghanistan in 2010.

'He laid on the grenade and it blew off the side of his body and his face,' the guide said, pointing out X-rays displayed nearby and describing Carpenter as 'so selfless'.

As the guide continued, noting that Carpenter later became a marathon runner, Trump appeared to turn his attention towards people elsewhere in the room. 'Ohhh, how are you? These are my friends,' Trump could be heard saying.

Viral Clip Draws Criticism Online

The apparent distraction quickly drew criticism after the clip spread on social media. 'He doesn't give one shit about anything,' one X user wrote. 'I'm surprised he didn't ask if the guy voted for him.'

Fuller footage provides some additional context. Trump can be heard reacting 'very rough' shortly before the guide gives the more detailed account of Carpenter's injuries, suggesting he had been engaging with the display before turning towards others nearby.

Carpenter's official Medal of Honor citation says he and fellow Marine Nicholas Eufrazio were defending a rooftop position in Afghanistan's Helmand Province when an enemy grenade landed inside their sandbagged position on 21 November 2010.

Carpenter moved towards the grenade in an attempt to shield Eufrazio, absorbing most of the explosion and suffering catastrophic injuries.

He underwent dozens of operations, lost his right eye and suffered severe injuries to his face and arm. Less than four years later, he completed the Marine Corps Marathon. President Barack Obama awarded Carpenter the Medal of Honor in 2014.

Trump Honoured During Museum Visit

The awkward viral moment came during a visit intended to celebrate Medal of Honor recipients. Trump signed the Hershel 'Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, authorising the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to establish a commemorative work on the National Mall.

Museum officials also announced Trump would become an honorary director and presented him with the foundation's 'Champion of Honor' award for his support of the monument and efforts to promote Medal of Honor recipients' stories.

During his subsequent remarks, Trump praised the bravery of the recipients but again joked about wanting the Medal of Honor himself.

'I will give it to myself,' he said, before acknowledging he was not allowed to do so.

Trump had already made a similar joke while awarding the medal to three servicemen in June, including retired Marine Major James Capers Jr.

The Medal of Honor is reserved for US service members who demonstrate extraordinary gallantry at the risk of their lives in combat. Thursday's clip nevertheless drew attention because of the contrast: while a guide recounted one of those extraordinary acts of sacrifice, the president appeared, at least momentarily, more interested in greeting the people around him.