Vice President Kamala Harris has launched a stinging critique of former President Donald Trump following an incident at Arlington National Cemetery that she and others have characterized as a "disrespectful political stunt." The altercation, which occurred during a wreath-laying ceremony honoring U.S. service members killed during the Afghanistan withdrawal, has sparked significant controversy and debate.
The incident, reported to have taken place on Monday, involved Trump's campaign staffers allegedly pushing aside an official to take unauthorized photos and videos at Section 60 of the cemetery. This section, where recently fallen service members are buried, is typically off-limits for photography. The U.S. Army confirmed that the staffers had been informed in advance of the cemetery's policies prohibiting political campaign activities and photography.
In a sharply worded post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Harris accused Trump of using the cemetery for political gain. "The former president disrespected sacred ground, all for the sake of a political stunt," she wrote. Harris emphasized that veterans, military families, and service members should be honored with the utmost respect. "If there is one thing on which we as Americans can all agree, it is that our veterans, military families, and service members should be honored, never disparaged," she added.
Trump defended his actions during an interview with NBC News, claiming that he had been invited by a family to take a photo at the grave of their loved one. "While I was there, I didn't ask for a picture. While I was there, they said, 'Sir, could we have a picture at the grave?'" Trump stated. Despite his defense, Trump's campaign has been criticized for posting a video on TikTok featuring footage from the ceremony, with Trump making political remarks about his administration's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
The incident has elicited a range of reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Trump's running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, took to social media to rebuff Harris's accusations, suggesting that the former president was merely responding to an invitation from families of fallen service members. "President Trump was there at the invitation of families whose loved ones died because of your incompetence," Vance wrote.
In contrast, Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt criticized Harris in a separate post, accusing her of being responsible for the chaos during the Afghanistan withdrawal and the subsequent deaths of 13 U.S. soldiers. "Kamala's stupidity led to one of the most embarrassing events in American history," Leavitt claimed, adding that Harris's performance made her unfit for higher office.
Arlington National Cemetery officials confirmed the altercation but noted that the staff member involved chose not to press charges. Despite Trump's campaign spokesperson denying a physical confrontation, the cemetery's regulations against political activities are clear, and the unauthorized photography has raised concerns among veterans and officials.
Harris's comments reflect ongoing tensions surrounding Trump's approach to military and veteran issues. She referred to previous disparaging remarks Trump made about service members, including calling them "suckers" and "losers." Harris pointed out that such behavior is inconsistent with the respect expected at places like Arlington National Cemetery. "This is a man who is unable to comprehend anything other than service to himself," Harris said.
