The Trump campaign has pointed fingers at an Arlington National Cemetery official after a reported incident during the former president’s visit to commemorate the Kabul airport attack’s anniversary, which claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members during the Afghanistan withdrawal.
The clash, initially reported by NPR, arose due to concerns over a photographer accompanying Trump and potential election-related activities at the cemetery, a location where such activities are prohibited by federal law.
Arlington National Cemetery acknowledged the occurrence of an incident and confirmed a report was filed, though it did not disclose further details. The cemetery emphasized that political campaign activities, including the presence of photographers for partisan candidates, are not allowed on its grounds.
Arlington official reportedly clashed with Trump’s team over filming and photos in Section 60
According to NPR’s anonymous source, a cemetery official attempted to prevent Trump’s staff from filming and taking photos in Section 60, an area reserved for soldiers who died in recent conflicts. The source alleged that Trump’s team pushed the official aside when they tried to stop the filming. However, Steven Cheung, the Trump campaign’s communications director, refuted claims of any physical altercation, describing the situation differently.
Cheung stated that a private photographer was allowed, but an individual, whom he characterized as having a mental health episode, interfered. He also shared evidence on social media that Trump’s team had obtained permission for a photographer. Trump adviser Chris LaCivita echoed this, accusing the individual involved of disrespecting the military.
Family members of two service members killed in the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing defended Trump and his team’s behavior, emphasizing their respect during the visit. After a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Trump, joined by some of the families, visited Section 60, a segment closed to the press.
Trump has continued to criticize President Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, framing it as a failure and a key campaign issue.
