An altercation at Arlington National Cemetery involving Donald Trump’s campaign staff has sparked widespread scrutiny, prompting a response from the campaign.
At a Glance
- Donald Trump’s campaign staff allegedly shoved and verbally abused an Arlington National Cemetery employee.
- Arlington officials stated only cemetery representatives are allowed to take photos and videos in Section 60.
- Federal law prohibits political campaign activities within Army National Military Cemeteries.
- Trump’s campaign denied the physical altercation and accused the cemetery representative of a mental health episode.
- Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper called for an investigation.
Incident at Arlington National Cemetery
Officials at Arlington National Cemetery reported an incident where Donald Trump’s campaign staff allegedly shoved and verbally abused an employee. The altercation occurred during Trump’s visit for a wreath-laying ceremony commemorating 13 US servicemen and -women killed in a suicide bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan.
The friction erupted when Trump participated in honoring fallen soldiers in Section 60, a restricted area for recent US casualties. The cemetery has strict guidelines allowing only their representatives to take photographs and videos in that section. Federal law also explicitly prohibits political campaign activities within Army National Military Cemeteries.
What we know about the alleged altercation at Arlington National Cemetery involving the Trump campaign.
With new reporting.
“What was abundantly clear cut was: Section 60, no photos and no video,” one defense official tells me.https://t.co/8xuiRw36I1
— Dan Lamothe (@DanLamothe) August 28, 2024
Campaign’s Denial and Statements
The Trump campaign vehemently denied that any physical altercation took place. Communications director Steven Cheung countered the accusations, suggesting the employee at the center of the incident experienced a mental health episode. He also mentioned the campaign’s readiness to release footage to disprove the allegations.
“There was no physical altercation as described and we are prepared to release footage if such defamatory claims are made,” stated Steven Cheung.
Despite the denials, Arlington officials confirmed the occurrence of an incident and filed a report, which remains undisclosed to protect the privacy of the involved employee. Cemetery officials reiterated the prohibition of political activities and stated again that they widely communicated these regulations to all participants.
A Trump visit to Arlington Cemetery sparked an alleged altercation with aides. A U.S. defense official said the Trump campaign was told repeatedly that they could not capture photos and video in Section 60, by @DanLamothe @KnowlesHannah @AlexHortonTX https://t.co/hPZxbCzf3v
— Marianne LeVine (@marianne_levine) August 28, 2024
Reactions and Calls for Investigation
The backlash was swift and significant. Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper emphasized the need for an investigation, asserting that Arlington National Cemetery should not be used for partisan purposes. Various veterans’ groups, including Veterans for Responsible Leadership, criticized Trump for violating the cemetery’s sanctity and conduct rules.
“Federal law prohibits political campaign or election-related activities within Army National Military Cemeteries, to include photographers, content creators or any other persons attending for purposes, or in direct support of a partisan political candidate’s campaign,” stated Arlington officials.
Some families of the fallen service members supported Trump’s visit, clarifying that they had given approval for the photographer to capture the ceremony. They expressed their desire to cherish these moments of remembrance.
Members of Donald Trump's campaign staff reportedly got into an altercation with an official at Arlington National Cemetery during the former president's visit on Monday. https://t.co/s5usyjSC0T
— NewsChannel 5 (@NC5) August 28, 2024
Ongoing Scrutiny and Political Ramifications
As Arlington National Cemetery continues to withhold specific details about the incident, scrutiny intensifies. Trump supporters accuse the media of exaggeration, while opponents see it as another instance of disrespectful conduct. The incident underlines the heightened focus on political figures and their actions, no matter the setting.
“Cemetery officials publicly offered few details beyond saying ‘there was an incident’ and a ‘report was filed’,” confirmed one Arlington representative
The broader implications of the altercation are likely to spark debates about the intersection of politics, respect for military traditions, and the sanctity of national memorials. As this story develops, it will undoubtedly continue to resonate with those who hold these values dear.
Sources
1. Arlington Cemetery worker ‘pushed aside’ by Trump aides – Army
2. Arlington National Cemetery officials confirm an ‘incident’ during Trump’s visit
