Trump: Wounded warriors are 'real heroes'

WASHINGTON — President Trump honored Americans wounded in battle to the White House on Thursday, saying they have shed blood to protect people and defend democracy

"These are real heroes," Trump said during an East Room event. "I call them America's winners, because they are winners."

Trump also referenced his own political prospects during the annual ceremony for the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride, a bike-a-thon to raise money to help injured military service personnel.

Noting that presidents have hosted ceremonies for the riders since 2008, Trump told his guests that "I should have it for about seven more years."

Trump also told his guests, "our way of life continues because of men and women who are willing to sacrifice anything and everything."'

Rain forced this year's solider ride ceremony indoors.

Trump travels later Thursday to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., where he will host a summit for Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"Let's have a great ride," Trump told the wounded warriors. "Because, let me tell you what: I couldn't do it."

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