Former President Donald Trump’s campaign is denying reports of an altercation between campaign staffers and an official at Arlington National Cemetery. Several news outlets, citing unnamed sources, reported that after Trump participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Virginia military cemetery on August 26, staffers pushed the cemetery official when he tried to prevent them from entering an area with recently buried service members. The alleged altercation was said to have been prompted by the official informing the campaign that no photos or videos were allowed.
Steven Cheung, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, stated in an email to The Epoch Times that there was no physical altercation as described and that they are prepared to release footage if defamatory claims are made. Cheung also mentioned that a private photographer was permitted on the premises and suggested that an unnamed individual suffering from a mental health episode decided to physically block members of President Trump’s team during the ceremony.
Cheung posted a screenshot of a message on social media platform X, which he claimed showed that the campaign had permission for a photographer and/or videographer at the event. However, he did not provide an original copy of the message or any footage referenced.
Chris LaCivita, Trump’s campaign manager, criticized “a nameless bureaucrat” at Arlington National Cemetery for trying to distort what was supposed to be a solemn and respectful event into something it was not.
A spokesperson for Arlington National Cemetery confirmed via email that there was indeed an incident and a report had been filed. They emphasized that federal law prohibits political campaign or election-related activities within Army National Military Cemeteries.
The spokesperson added that Arlington National Cemetery had shared this law and its prohibitions with all participants but declined to provide further information in order to protect the identity of those involved.
During his visit to Arlington National Cemetery, Trump joined relatives of service members who died during U.S. forces’ withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 for a ceremony commemorating their sacrifice. In a joint statement released by Trump himself, some of these relatives expressed gratitude for his presence on this three-year anniversary since 13 troops were killed in the bombing at Kabul airport.
The relatives stated their approval for Trump’s official videographer and photographer attending so they could preserve memories of this ceremony forever. They also praised both Trump and his staffers for conducting themselves with utmost respect and dignity throughout.
It is worth noting that neither President Joe Biden nor Vice President Kamala Harris accompanied Trump at this event. According to White House statements, Biden was in Delaware while Harris remained in Washington attending briefings and meetings with staff.
In response to these events, Biden issued a statement urging mourning and honoring those who lost their lives in Afghanistan while referring to them as “patriots.” Harris also expressed her prayers for their families while acknowledging their devotion as patriots.