A U.S. Army spokesperson stated that Trump campaign participants at the Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) event “were made aware of federal laws” concerning political activity and “abruptly pushed” an employee.
According to a CNN report on Wednesday, an ANC employee physically blocked Trump's team from accompanying him during the Monday ceremony honoring the 13 U.S. service members killed in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing. Two Trump campaign officials confirmed the incident, and a cemetery spokesperson told CNN that “a report was filed,” but didn't provide further details at the time.
“This incident was unfortunate … the ANC employee and her professionalism has been unfairly attacked,” the statement read.
“ANC is a national shrine to the honored dead of the Armed Forces, and its dedicated staff will continue to ensure public ceremonies are conducted with the dignity and respect the nation's fallen deserve.”
As CNN reports:
The Army spokesperson said while the incident was reported to the police department at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, the employee in question “decided not to press charges” so the Army “considers this matter closed.”
Trump was visiting the cemetery following a wreath laying to honor 13 US military service members who were killed at Kabul airport's Abbey Gate in Afghanistan three years go.
An individual physically blocked Trump's team from accompanying him during the Monday visit, two Trump campaign officials said. A cemetery spokesperson confirmed to CNN “there was an incident” and a “report was filed” but didn't provide additional details.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump appeared to suggest the incident stemmed from his campaign's use of photography, sharing a statement from the family members of the fallen soldiers expressing their approval.
“We had given our approval for President Trump's official videographer and photographer to attend the event, ensuring these sacred moments of remembrance were respectfully captured and so we can cherish these memories forever,” the deceased service members' families said.
Federal law prohibits political or election-related activities at Army National Military Cemeteries. According to 32 CFR § 553.221, any form of demonstration, including political, electoral or campaign activities, is banned within these cemeteries to maintain the solemn and respectful atmosphere appropriate to these sacred sites. The primary purpose is to honor the service and sacrifice of military personnel, and political activities are seen as inconsistent with that purpose.
Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung disputed the claims of a physical altercation. He stated that an unnamed individual chose to “physically block members of President Trump's team during a very solemn ceremony.”
Cheung also mentioned that the campaign has video evidence to support this claim.
Trump campaign manager Chris LaCivita echoed this account in a statement to CNN. He emphasized that “President Trump was there on the invitation of the Abbey Gate Gold Star Families to honor their loved ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.”
Bad optics Trump, remedy bad optics
How is it bad optics for Trump when it was the ANC employee who physically blocked the Trump staffers?!! The employee was the one at fault.
This article is unclear as to who did the pushing. It does not say whether it was Arlington National Cemetery person or a Trump team person. Why would a Trump team person shove another Trump team person.? Since the article states that the Trump team has video evidence, that suggest it was an ANC employee.
In any case it is not clear as to the person doing the shoving is working for.
The army should refocus on their mission and stay out of politics.
“… a member of the Trump campaign physically blocked Trump’s team …”
Definitely needs editing.