Former President Donald Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery on Monday to commemorate the three-year anniversary of a tragic attack that resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. troops and over 100 Afghans. During his visit, which included laying wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier alongside families of fallen service members, a confrontation occurred between Trump campaign staff and an Arlington Cemetery official.
Reports indicate that Arlington National Cemetery officials had clearly stated that outside photographers were prohibited in Section 60, the area designated for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. They allowed only cemetery staff to take photos and share them with visitors. According to sources familiar with the situation, when the Trump campaign entered this section with an outside photographer, an Arlington official attempted to intervene. This led to two campaign members allegedly verbally abusing the official and pushing them aside, although the official chose not to escalate the situation out of respect for Gold Star families.
The Trump campaign has denied these allegations. A spokesperson claimed that an unidentified person attempted to prevent Trump from entering Section 60 and labeled the individual as having a mental health crisis. The campaign has stated that they possess video evidence of the incident but have not released it to media outlets. President Trump later shared a photo on social media featuring Gold Star families who expressed gratitude towards him, asserting that they had invited him to film in Section 60.
While the Trump campaign suggests they had permission, it remains important to note that any political activities on Arlington Cemetery grounds are prohibited. This regulation is not merely bureaucratic; it aims to maintain the dignity of the site, particularly in light of private grief associated with the graves of fallen soldiers.
Officials at Arlington Cemetery have chosen not to comment further to protect the identity of the official involved in the incident. They are accustomed to managing the conduct of various visitors, from tourists to school groups, while upholding the sanctity of the cemetery. However, sources indicate that the behavior exhibited during this incident was unprecedented in terms of disrespect shown at Arlington.