The U.S. Army has criticized Donald Trump's campaign team following a confrontation at Arlington National Cemetery earlier this week.
Potographing a Funeral
The incident occurred during the former president's visit on Monday to honor the 13 American soldiers killed during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, according to Ziare.
While at the cemetery, Trump's team reportedly attempted to photograph the event, which led to a clash with Arlington staff.
According to the cemetery's official statement, an altercation arose when a cemetery employee tried to enforce a federal law prohibiting political activities on the grounds. The Army confirmed that the employee was "abruptly removed" during Trump’s visit as she attempted to apply this regulation.
Trump, who continues to criticize the Biden administration for the handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, responded to the controversy by accusing his critics of inappropriate behavior.
Presence was Approved
Speaking at a campaign rally in Michigan on Thursday, he condemned those who accused him of politicizing the visit, declaring, "They accuse me of taking a photo at a grave with the family!"
In a statement released by Trump’s campaign, the families of the fallen soldiers claimed they had approved the presence of photographers during the ceremony. Trump's running mate, J.D. Vance, also weighed in, accusing the media of fabricating the story and dismissing the incident as inconsequential.
The Army, however, expressed regret over the incident, defending the professionalism of the Arlington employee and lamenting that her actions were unjustly questioned.
The Arlington National Cemetery, a revered resting place for approximately 400,000 veterans and their families, as well as two U.S. presidents, remains a solemn site where political controversies are generally avoided.
