I wanted to respond to everyone, but I would essentially be saying the same thing so decided to write my thanks to you all for excellent advice.

I don't talk politics or religion with my kids, and truly did not believe I was sending a story that was political. Since my husband was in the military, and my son was as well, I thought my son would see this for what it was. Someone who was proving themselves up to be someone he wasn't. The fact that other republican congressmen even told Nehls not to wear the pin was something I thought my son would agree with.

Unfortunately, I learned that my son is more radicalized than I thought after his response to my sending him the info.

I think you're all correct, that I need to let it go as I don't want to further harm our relationship. A mom always wants to try and reach her kids no matter how old they are, but sometimes it's best to say nothing. Thank you all for your input and help in this matter.

You've gotten good advice here, Lizard is correct about the boasting and breast beating. It's really sad that your son has a broken bullshit-o-meter. My identical twin is a supporter of the GOP, more as the default position because she so fears, hates and distrusts the Democrats, all Dems, period. She has been this way all her life and seeks out the people who support her thinking and she gets her "news" from FOX, newsmax, Epoch Times, etc. ALL of those platforms work the same, they tell you exactly who and what to fear.
BTW we are no longer talking. She thinks if she shouts loud enough I will hear her, then it devolves into personal attacks.
So you have to decide if you want to have him in your life or push him away with attempts to supply the facts.
I'm just numb to my twin. I work at not thinking about her, we were never close so the thing I miss is really something I never had but only hoped for. Our younger sister has also stopped communicating with her also, she said it's just not worth the hassle and frustration at utter stupid on so huge a display.
I do feel really sad for your situation. Hugs.

Its the other way around with me and my father. My father is a Trumpster while I'm liberal and despise Trump. Though, we don't really agree on much of anything else either plus my father is as a-hole in general. I'm not really sure I have much a point here.

Of course, I don't know your son but I think its very unlikely that you'll be able to ever change his mind. The more you come at him the more he'll just dig in deeper. People have to be willing to change. I don't think the majority of Trumpsters are willing to change whatsoever.

Hey, democracy lets people disagree.

The First Amendment protexts what he says AND what you say. Don’t talk politics.

I agree with the general concensus that this isn't the hill to take a stand on with your son. It sucks... I'm so sorry.

He may actually ask Nehls about his pin but as he's been lying about it for awhile I don't see him 'fessing up now... I'm not saying to back down from the truth if your son comes back to you with that information, but maybe let it play out for now.

I think not going forward with this would be the best approach. He has shown he is not open to discussion on this. All you can do is wait and hope that the truth comes to light, and Nehls is taken down a peg or four... I know this is hard for you, I can't imagine being at odds with my kids. Hang in there.

The sort of behavior in that article is unfortunately very common among conservatives even those not in politics. Any VFW or other organization are full of them drinking and telling stories about their time in the service that make them sound like super soldiers. The ones who are real don't like to talk about it and don't wear those pins in public like that.
I have known a lot of them over the years who earned those awards and for the most part in those masturbatory brag fests they are the ones looking disgusted and walking away...

Tell your son this comes from someone who served with both types in the Marines.

I'm sorry you're going through this. I have trump supporters in my family and unfortunately or fortunately, they no longer have anything to do with me, it might be my mouth because sometimes I just can't shut the fuck up! I understand he's your son and it hurts so much to be at odds with him because of this. Maybe don't mention the differences and just try to hangout and hopefully you both will heal and realize how much you both love each other even with these differences.

I’m sorry to hear that your son is so in thrall to this shameless Republican that he is in denial of the facts, and that this is making a dialogue between your son and yourself difficult. I can't see that it serves any purpose to pursue this discussion with him any further as it won’t improve relations between the two of you. My advice is just to drop this topic of conversation and hope he eventually finds out how dishonest and dishonourable this man is for himself in due course. I’m sad that he seems to be so brainwashed Rhonda…for the sake of family harmony, in this case avoidance may just be the best option sad to say.

Sometimes, with family that you want a relationship with, the topic of politics and or religion is best kept under wraps. It is not worth the heartache to argue with someone that will not or is not ready to hear what you have to say. It becomes a no win battle that will alienate the person you are trying to maintain a relationship with.

I feel for you, and I wish you well.