During a recent visit to Arlington National Cemetery, a troubling incident happened involving an aide of former President Donald Trump. The aide was accused of “abruptly pushing aside” an Arlington employee. This happened while the aide was trying to take photos and videos at Section 60, which is a very special part of the cemetery. Section 60 is where many service members who died in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are buried.
The situation quickly became serious when military police were called to the scene. Even though an incident report was filed, the Army decided not to take any further action. The employee who was pushed aside chose not to press charges, and the Army now considers the matter closed. However, this incident has caused a lot of upset and continues to be talked about.
Later, the Army publicly criticized the Trump campaign staff for breaking federal laws and Army regulations. These rules clearly state that political activities are not allowed on cemetery grounds. The employee who was pushed aside was just doing their job by trying to enforce these rules. The employee acted professionally, but sadly, the Trump campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, called the report “false” and even accused the employee of starting the physical contact.
In response to the Army’s statement, Steven Cheung didn’t back down. Instead, he said that the employee was guilty of “verbal harassment” and claimed the employee was “clearly suffering from a mental health episode.” This only made the situation worse, with many people criticizing the Trump campaign for how it acted at such an important and sacred place.
The controversy also spread on social media. Journalist Kyle Griffin tweeted about the Army’s criticism of the Trump campaign. He stressed how important it is to keep dignity and respect at Arlington National Cemetery.
New: The Army is now rebuking Trump campaign staff over the Arlington National Cemetery incident.
“Participants in the August 26th ceremony and the subsequent Section 60 visit were made aware of federal laws, Army regulations and DoD policies, which clearly prohibit political…
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) August 29, 2024
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This tweet received several replies from concerned people. Claire S replied, saying she was glad the Army spoke out, and she called Trump’s actions disrespectful.
Finally. I heard the Army wanted to not comment, and so immensely glad they decided to. Invited or not, trump and his goons desecrated that sacred site, disrespectful of all rules, assaulted a ANC official…….this shouldn’t be swept under the rug.
— Claire S🖤🩷🖤 (@SaintLaurant) August 29, 2024
Another user, Fox News is Lying to You, explained what happened: Arlington told Trump not to film, but he did it anyway, and when an employee tried to enforce the rules, she was pushed aside and then criticized by the campaign.
Here’s what we know so far: 1. Arlington warned Trump Campaign not to film the event. 2. Trump brought photographers anyway. 3. When Arlington employee tried to enforce the rules, employee was shoved aside and then defamed by campaign when they stated she had a mental health…
— Fox News is Lying to You (@NewsisYou) August 29, 2024
Tomer Rozenberg praised the cemetery staff for standing up for what is right, while Diana Prince criticized the Army for putting the employee in a tough spot, saying they were afraid of Trump.
Dignity and respect at Arlington are non-negotiable—kudos to the staff for upholding what truly matters.
— Tomer Rozenberg (@RozenbergTomer) August 29, 2024
Finally, Pres., Reinhart Foundation suggested that Trump should be banned from the cemetery grounds completely, comparing it to being banned from a museum for bad behavior.
Can’t they ban him from the grounds as a private citizen the same way someone could be, say, banned from the Smithsonian for pissing on the Kaino Bridge?
— Pres., Reinhart Foundation (@jdmann) August 29, 2024
This shows the tension between Trump and those who think Arlington National Cemetery should be treated with respect. The Army closed the case, but many people are still upset. A sacred place like this should never be used for politics. But hey, if Trump can’t behave in a cemetery, where can he behave? Maybe we should ban him from museums too—just in case! What do you think?
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery