CHICAGO (AP) - The televised moment moved a nation: A grief-stricken widow clasping her hands and looking skyward, tears streaming down her face as lawmakers and the president delivered a deafening standing ovation in honor of her fallen husband.
President Donald Trump’s tribute to fallen Navy SEAL William “Ryan” Owens during Tuesday’s congressional address was seen by many as touching. But others regarded it as a calculated attempt to deflect criticism of Trump’s decision to approve a failed military operation, and to turn around his administration’s shaky start with a gesture that appeared to unify a deeply divided country.
Many presidents have introduced guests to help make political points. But Tuesday’s tribute was potentially more fraught. Owens’ father has refused to meet with Trump and called for an investigation into the Yemen raid.
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