Kamala Harris Condemns Trump's Arlington Cemetery Visit as Disrespectful and Politically Motivated

Vice President Kamala Harris criticized former President Donald Trump for what she described as a "disrespectful" visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where Trump took and distributed images despite a federal ban on campaign activities at the site. In a statement posted Saturday on the social media platform X, Harris cited reports that Trump's campaign aides created a confrontation with cemetery staff and proceeded to take photographs and video footage of the former president, including at the graves of Afghanistan war veterans, despite being warned about the rules.

"Let me be clear: the former president disrespected sacred ground, all for the sake of a political stunt," Harris said, emphasizing that Arlington is a solemn place to honor American heroes, not a venue for political maneuvers.

The incident occurred amid ongoing criticism from Trump and Republicans over President Joe Biden's administration, including Harris, for the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan. Trump visited Arlington last Monday at the request of some family members of service members killed during the withdrawal, laying wreaths to honor Sgt. Nicole Gee, Staff Sgt. Darin Hoover, and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, who were among the 13 U.S. service members and over 100 Afghans killed in the August 26, 2021, bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport.

Despite being warned about photography restrictions, Trump's campaign was involved in an altercation with cemetery staff, according to defense officials. An Arlington employee, allegedly verbally abused and pushed aside by two Trump campaign staff members, has declined to press charges. In response, the Trump campaign has criticized Pentagon officials, with campaign adviser Chris LaCivita referring to military spokespersons as "hacks." The campaign claims it had permission to bring someone to record video footage.

Harris alluded to Trump's history of controversial remarks about veterans, reiterating allegations that he has called fallen service members "suckers" and "losers" and has disparaged Medal of Honor recipients. "This is a man who is unable to comprehend anything other than service to himself," Harris said. "I will always honor the service and sacrifice of all of America's fallen heroes... And I will never politicize them."