Donald Trump has opened a double-digit lead over his Democratic opponent among military veterans with just over a month left until Election Day, a new poll shows.
Trump leads Hillary Clinton 47-33 among retired service members, according to a Fox News poll. Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson draws 13 percent support, while 2 percent of veterans back Green Party candidate Jill Stein.
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The latest poll results were released one day after Trump stirred controversy over comments he made about veteran suicide rates during a national security town hall in Herndon, Va. During the event, Trump appeared to suggest that some combat veterans who suffer from PTSD and end up committing suicide may not be as “strong” as others who seek help.
But while Trump drew criticism for “shaming” veterans who suffer from military-related mental and behavioral issues, the retired staff sergeant who had asked Trump the question praised the GOP nominee’s answer.
Trump has made national security a core component of his presidential campaign and has spoken often about his desire to rebuild the “depleted” U.S. military.
The Fox News poll of veterans likely to vote in the November election was conducted between Sept. 27-29. Results contain a margin of error plus or minus 8.5 percentage points.
