A Vietnam War veteran, Ventura criticized Trump for dodging service and argued that Barron, now 20, should step up where his father didn’t. The reason the topic even came up wasn’t gentle — it unfolded against the backdrop of rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, a conflict that has already claimed the lives of at least 13 American service members

Ventura didn’t mince words, calling Trump a “draft-dodging coward” and challenging him to put his own family on the line.

”Well, Barron, you can change that. Enlist in the United States military right now, do something your father didn’t have the courage to do,” he said.

He pointed out that none of Trump’s children, including Barron, have served, despite decades in the public eye. Ventura also highlighted Trump’s own draft history, noting the president avoided the Vietnam War draft due to bone spurs, while his father and grandfather never served either.

Addressing concerns that Barron’s height could disqualify him, Ventura referenced former NBA star David Robinson, who served in the military before pursuing basketball.

”Tall? David Robinson did it,” Ventura said, using him as an example of overcoming similar challenges.

Jesse Ventura served in the U.S. Navy from December 1, 1969, to September 10, 1975. During his active duty, he operated in the Mekong Delta, was part of an amphibious ready group in the South China Sea, and was based out of Subic Bay in the Philippines. His service earned him the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Navy Expeditionary Medal.