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ARLINGTON, VA – Donald Trump’s campaign was explicitly warned not to take photos or videos during a campaign event at Arlington National Cemetery. Despite these warnings, the campaign proceeded to capture and share footage on social media, a clear violation of federal law, according to officials. Among the headstones featured in Trump’s photos was that of a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier who died by suicide.
During a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Donald Trump’s campaign blatantly disregarded explicit warnings against photographing the event, intended to honor service members killed in the Afghanistan War withdrawal. The event took place in Section 60, known for being the final resting place for military personnel who died in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. NPR reports that two Trump campaign staffers “verbally abused and pushed” a cemetery employee who tried to stop them from filming, highlighting a severe breach of protocol in this sacred space.
Photos shared on TikTok showed Trump smiling and giving a thumbs-up beside the grave of Marine Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, a fallen hero of the 2021 Kabul airport bombing. This conduct starkly contrasts with the solemn nature of the ceremony and the respect owed to those buried there, particularly as officials had aimed to prevent such partisan actions.
The use of footage from Arlington National Cemetery for campaign purposes is a clear violation of the law, which prohibits partisan activities in military cemeteries. While the Trump campaign may have had limited permission to film near Hoover’s headstone, it did not have authorization to include other headstones in the footage. One such headstone belonged to a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier who died by suicide, further compounding the disrespect shown by the campaign’s actions.
Arlington National Cemetery Rules:
Federal law strictly prohibits political campaign activities at military cemeteries. In a statement, Arlington National Cemetery officials confirmed that an incident had occurred and a report was filed. The law and its prohibitions were widely communicated to all participants, but the Trump campaign’s disregard for these rules has led to widespread condemnation.
Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the team had permission for a private photographer and dismissed the allegations, accusing the cemetery staff of a “mental health episode.” Despite promises to release supporting footage, the campaign has yet to provide any evidence. The incident has sparked calls for accountability, with Rep. Gerry Connolly demanding more information from cemetery officials. Additionally, Utah Governor Spencer Cox faced criticism for using a photo from the ceremony in a campaign email, for which his campaign has since apologized.
An Army spokesperson recently shared a statement about the incident.
Arlington National Cemetery routinely hosts public wreath laying ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for individuals and groups who submit requests in advance. ANC conducts nearly 3,000 such public ceremonies a year without 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 activities on cemetery grounds. An ANC employee who attempted to ensure adherence to these rules was abruptly pushed aside. Consistent with the decorum expected at ANC, this employee acted with professionalism and avoided further disruption. The incident was reported to the JBM-HH police department, but the employee subsequently decided not to press charges. Therefore, the Army considers this matter closed.
This incident was unfortunate, and it is also unfortunate that the ANC employee and her professionalism has been unfairly attacked. 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.
The disrespect shown to veterans by Trump’s campaign at Arlington National Cemetery has sparked outrage, emphasizing the need to maintain the sanctity of these sacred grounds and honor the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for their country.
Source: Fox News
