Trump is hardly an eloquent person, so I believe he could and would say something insensitive when speaking to a widow. I also agree that he could be a narcissist. That said, taking one line out of a conversation without context allows a person to create a narrative that might not fall inline with what is implied. So, all we know is that he said something to the affect of: he knew what he signed up for … but when it happens it hurts anyway. That is all that is given to us, despite there being more to the conversation.

This could be taken one of two ways, based on the context.

1. He knew what he signed up for. He was aware of the risks, but HE chose to do that. The risk is low that one of our servicemen will be harmed in the line of duty, so it's easy to assume they will all make it back safely, but when it happens it hurts anyways. You're not alone in your suffering.

2. He knew what he signed up for. There are many other men that are unwilling to protect our country, but he did. It takes a brave man to put his life on the line for our freedom. His service to country will be remembered. I never want to lose a member of our military, but when it happens it hurts anyways. I am so sorry for your loss.

The first is a way of explaining away her pain. The second is a way to try to exemplify his courage. It's hard to know what Trump meant without context. My guess is he was meaning to do the latter, but he's just inarticulate. A person who is left leaning then took one of his bumbling sentences and interjected their own idea of what Trump meant instead of trying to understand it. I think all rational people should be hesitant to assume meaning from one line of dialog.

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