Vivek Ramaswamy Grassroots Director Falsely Claimed Iraq Combat Service
Kathy Barnette’s False Claim of Serving ‘on the Battlefield’ in Iraq
Vivek Ramaswamy’s national grassroots director, Kathy Barnette, has been caught making false claims of serving “on the battlefield” in Iraq. Military records reviewed by the Washington Free Beacon contradict her statements.
In a 2021 radio interview, Barnette, who lost the Pennsylvania Republican Senate primary in 2022, asserted her combat service. However, her military records, released under media pressure last year, reveal that she left the military years before the Iraq war.
This is not the first time questionable comments have been made by personnel associated with Ramaswamy’s campaign. In September, the Free Beacon reported that the New Hampshire campaign co-chair, a 9/11 conspiracy theorist, made controversial remarks about Israel and the Pentagon attack.
During her unsuccessful Senate primary campaign, Barnette faced scrutiny regarding her military service. In a previously unreported 2021 interview with Ohio radio host Bloomdaddy, she suggested her combat experience, stating, “I’m not on the battlefield any longer, in Iraq; now I’m on the battlefield from within, in our own nation.”
Barnette claimed to have spent 10 years in the U.S. Army Reserves and expressed her willingness to sacrifice her life for the nation. However, her military records show that she served in the Army National Guard from 1993 to 1998 and in the Army Reserve from 1998 to 2000. She was discharged before the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003.
In addition, Barnette underwent several months of active-duty training during the Gulf War in 1990, but her discharge record does not indicate any overseas deployment.
Ramaswamy’s campaign has paid Barnette’s consulting firm over $200,000 since February, according to Federal Election Commission records.
Despite the evidence, Barnette did not respond to a request for comment. The Ramaswamy campaign initially denied her claim of serving in Iraq but remained silent after being presented with audio evidence of the interview.
This is not the first time Barnette has been accused of embellishing her résumé. Last year, a Free Beacon report raised doubts about her claims of working on Wall Street.
What consequences do false claims of military service have on the public’s trust and respect for those who have served in the military?
Iracy theorist, welcomed Ramaswamy to the state on the eve of the September 11 anniversary.
Barnette’s false claims of serving in Iraq are particularly concerning considering the importance of military service and combat experience in the eyes of voters. In her radio interview, she stated, “I served on the battlefield in Iraq, and my experience of growing up in a military family, having two brothers who served on the battlefield, one as a Marine, and one as an Army National Guardsman, gave me a firsthand look at what it means to serve.” These statements were clearly aimed at appealing to voters’ patriotic sentiments and garnering support.
However, the military records show a different story. Barnette left the military years before the Iraq war, and there is no evidence to support her claim of serving on the battlefield. This raises questions about her credibility and integrity as a political candidate and the ability of the Ramaswamy campaign to properly vet its staff.
This incident is not isolated. The association of Ramaswamy’s campaign with individuals who make false claims and promote conspiracy theories reflects poorly on his judgement and the values of his campaign. Voters should be wary of supporting a candidate who associates with individuals lacking credibility and integrity.
False claims of military service have serious consequences. They disrespect the sacrifices and experiences of the brave men and women who have served in the military and undermine the trust of the public. It is crucial that political candidates are held accountable for their statements and that the truth is exposed.
In conclusion, Kathy Barnette’s false claim of serving ”on the battlefield” in Iraq raises significant concerns about her credibility and integrity as a political candidate. The military records clearly contradict her statements, and this incident reflects poorly on the Ramaswamy campaign’s ability to properly vet its staff. Voters should carefully consider the character of the individuals associated with political candidates and demand honesty and integrity from those seeking public office.
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