Current:Home > FinanceHarris calls Trump’s appearance at Arlington a ‘political stunt’ that ‘disrespected sacred ground’ -Intelligent Capital Compass
Harris calls Trump’s appearance at Arlington a ‘political stunt’ that ‘disrespected sacred ground’
View
Date:2025-04-19 13:06:46
Vice President Kamala Harris said former President Donald Trump “disrespected sacred ground” in his recent appearance at Arlington National Cemetery, where the Republican nominee took and distributed images despite a federal prohibition on campaign activity on the grounds.
Harris, in a statement posted Saturday on the social media platform X, cited reports that Trump’s campaign aides created an altercation with a cemetery staffer and proceeded to take photographs and film the former president, including at the graves of Afghanistan war veterans, after being warned about rules at the site.
“Let me be clear: the former president disrespected sacred ground, all for the sake of a political stunt,” Harris said, calling Arlington a “solemn place where we come together to honor American heroes ... not a place for politics.”
The original incident stemmed from Trump’s and Republicans’ continued criticism of President Joe Biden and now Harris for the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. At the invitation of some family members of service members killed during the withdrawal, Trump laid wreaths last Monday in honor of Sgt. Nicole Gee, Staff Sgt. Darin Hoover and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss. They were among 13 U.S. service members and more than 100 Afghans who died in an Aug. 26, 2021, bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport.
Trump’s campaign was warned about not taking photographs before an altercation at the cemetery, according to defense officials. Officials have said since that an Arlington employee whom two Trump campaign staff members allegedly “verbally abused and pushed” aside has declined to press charges. The Trump campaign has since lashed out at Pentagon officials, with a top campaign adviser, Chris LaCivita, referring to military spokespersons as “hacks.” Trump campaign officials say it had permission to bring someone to take video.
Since Biden ended his reelection bid, Trump has been zeroing in on Harris and her roles in foreign policy decisions. He has specifically highlighted the vice president’s statements that she was the last person in the room before Biden made the decision on Afghanistan.
Biden’s administration was following a withdrawal commitment and timeline that the Trump administration had negotiated with the Taliban in 2020. A 2022 review by a government-appointed special investigator concluded decisions made by both Trump and Biden were the key factors leading to the rapid collapse of Afghanistan’s military and the Taliban takeover.
Harris on Saturday alluded to Trump’s history of picking fights with veterans and repeated allegations that he has “called our fallen service members ‘suckers’ and ‘losers’ and disparaged Medal of Honor recipients.”
“This is a man who is unable to comprehend anything other than service to himself,” Harris said. “I will always honor the service and sacrifice of all of America’s fallen heroes. ... And I will never politicize them.”
veryGood! (347)
Related
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- Connecticut-Marquette showdown in Big East highlights major weekend in men's college basketball
- White House objected to Justice Department over Biden special counsel report before release
- Elkhorn man charged in Wisconsin sports bar killings
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- Teen Mom Alum Jenelle Evans and Husband David Eason's Child Protective Services Case Dropped
- Russell Simmons sued for defamation by former Def Jam executive Drew Dixon who accused him of rape
- Record Store Day 2024 features exclusive vinyl from David Bowie, Ringo Starr, U2, more
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- New York appeals court hears arguments over the fate of the state’s ethics panel
Ranking
- Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
- Chase Elliott, NASCAR's most popular driver, enters 2024 optimistic about bounce-back year
- Deion Sanders bets big on new defensive coach: What to know about his Colorado contract
- Brian Laundrie's parents detail 'frantic' conversations with son: 'Gabby's gone, please call a lawyer'
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- Elkhorn man charged in Wisconsin sports bar killings
- Prince Harry says he's 'grateful' he visited King Charles III amid cancer diagnosis
- Blogger Laura Merritt Walker Shares Her 3-Year-Old Son Died After Tragic Accident
Recommendation
Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
Man convicted in 2022 shooting of Indianapolis police officer that wounded officer in the throat
What are the best women's college basketball games on TV this weekend?
Hyundai recalls more than 90,000 Genesis vehicles due to fire risk
Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
Biden says Navalny’s reported death brings new urgency to the need for more US aid to Ukraine
NBA All-Star break power rankings with Finals predictions from Shaq, Barkley and Kenny Smith
Get a Tan in 1 Hour and Save 46% On St. Tropez Express Self-Tanning Mousse