The Radar Myth: Clarifying Trump’s Comments About His Uncle

Trump’s Remarks on Radar

President Trump claimed that his uncle, Dr. John Trump, ‘invented radar’ in remarks made in Palm Beach, Florida. This statement was shared on social media by journalist Aaron Rupar and quickly met with corrections from the community. The platform noted that Trump’s uncle did not invent radar.

The Reality of Radar’s Invention

While Dr. John Trump significantly contributed to U.S. radar research during World War II, he was not the inventor. The ‘first practical radar system’ was patented by Sir Robert Watson-Watt, who improved on previous research by individuals like Heinrich Hertz and Christian Huelsmeyer.

Key Contributors to Radar Development

Sir Robert Watson-Watt, considered a pioneer in radar technology, acknowledged that radar had many contributors. In his memoir, ‘Three Steps to Victory,’ he refers to himself as ‘the father of radar’ among many who helped develop the technology.

Heinrich Hertz demonstrated electromagnetic waves, which are foundational for radar, in the late 19th century. Christian Hulsmeyer patented an early ship-detecting device in 1904, known as a precursor to radar.

In 1935, Watson-Watt produced technology at the UK’s National Physical Laboratory that could reliably locate aircraft, leading to the UK’s Chain Home radar system.

Dr. John Trump’s Role in Radar Research

Dr. John Trump, though not the inventor, was pivotal in American radar research. He started as an assistant professor at MIT in 1936, contributing to radar projects. By 1942, he became secretary of the US National Defense Research Committee’s Microwave Committee, overseeing national radar research.

Around February 1944, Dr. Trump led the British Branch of MIT’s Radiation Laboratory, collaborating with Watson-Watt and other eminent scientists.

Trump’s History of Claims

President Trump has previously made statements about his uncle that faced skepticism. He once asserted that Dr. Trump taught Ted Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber. MIT refuted this, stating they have no record of Kaczynski attending the institution.

Additionally, Dr. Trump passed away in 1985, well before Kaczynski’s identification and arrest in 1996.

For additional information, contact Newsweek editors Matthew Robinson and Trevor Davies.