During a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, an aide to former President Donald Trump reportedly pushed aside an employee to take photos and videos at Section 60, where service members killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are buried. The incident was reported to military police, but the employee chose not to press charges, and the Army considers the matter closed. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung denied the reports, claiming the employee initiated physical contact and harassment.
Federal regulations prohibit partisan political activities at Army cemeteries, and Arlington National Cemetery had provided rules to Trump officials outlining what was allowed during their visit. Family members of service members killed in the Kabul airport attack in 2021 invited Trump to the commemoration, where he laid flowers at a grave and posed for photos. However, there were restrictions on photography and filming during the ceremony.
The incident sparked controversy, with conflicting reports and accusations between Trump campaign officials and the cemetery staff. The Army spokesperson emphasized that professionalism and respect are key at Arlington National Cemetery, a national shrine honoring the nation’s fallen heroes. Despite the unfortunate incident, the cemetery conducts thousands of public ceremonies each year without any issues. Trump had permission to have a photographer present during the visit, and family members allowed the event to be documented.
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