On Friday, retired U.S. Marine Corps combat pilot Amy McGrath amplified the Defense News article on X, “What’s wrong with Trump accepting a 747 from Qatar? Everything.”
Note: McGrath is known as the first woman to fly a combat mission for the Marine Corps, as well as the first to pilot the F/A-18 on a combat mission. She has flown 89 combat missions against al-Qaeda and the Taliban during her 20 years of service.
Retired USMC Col. Ghannon Burton replied to McGrath: “Nothing. We accepted the Statue of Liberty… sit down little girl… that act blue money that was laundered to you is drying up soon.”
Note: McGrath ran as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate in the 2020 election to represent Kentucky, challenging incumbent Mitch McConnell. Burton ran as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in the 2024 election to represent Mississippi; he lost to incumbent Roger Wicker.
Nothing. We accepted the Statue of Liberty… sit down little girl… that act blue money that was laundered to you is drying up soon.
— Col Ghannon Burton (USMC Ret) (@GhannonBurton) May 17, 2025
More than one veteran on X voiced their outrage at Burton’s lack of respect toward McGrath. As one replied, “‘Sit down, little girl’? You just said that to a decorated Marine Corps combat pilot who flew 89 missions over Iraq and Afghanistan–while you sit behind a screen playing patriot cosplay.”
When Marine Corps veteran Craig Bowden defended McGrath by writing to Burton: “You’re addressing a fellow Marine. Start there Colonel. Then realize that she’s asking that the President follow the Constitution,” Burton replied to Bowden: “Just don’t take anymore COVID shots and you might live to see how this chapter turns out… good luck snowflake.”
Note: Burton retired from the Marine Corps, after 30 years of service, reportedly because he refused to take the Covid-19 vaccine.
You’re addressing a fellow Marine. Start there Colonel. Then realize that she’s asking that the President follow the Constitution.
— Craig Bowden (@BowdenOnBass) May 17, 2025
Others who objected to Burton’s post pointed out that the Statue of Liberty was a gift to the American people, formally accepted by Congress, and “not a president’s souvenir to hoard,” and suggested that Burton “Maybe learn some history–and next time, salute her.”
Note: McGrath also responded to Burton on X by asking: “I’m wondering why you keep calling me ‘little girl.’ We served at the same time in the same Corps. I’m sure we have mutual friends. What has happened to you?”