A political storm enveloped Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump over the Labor Day weekend, centered around Arlington National Cemetery.
According to Fox News, the contention arises from a recent remembrance ceremony where Trump's actions were both defended by his supporters and criticized by Vice President Harris.
The ceremony in question took place on August 26, 2024, marking the anniversary of the Kabul airport attack, where 13 U.S. service members perished. Former President Trump, accompanied by eight Gold Star families, honored the fallen with a wreath-laying at Arlington.
An incident occurred during the filming of a campaign video immediately after the ceremony, involving a Trump campaign photographer and an Arlington National Cemetery employee. This event escalated tensions, raising questions about the appropriateness of political activities at the cemetery. Vice President Harris charged that former President Trump "disrespected sacred ground" by choosing to film a video at the site, an act which resulted in a skirmish with cemetery personnel.
Speaker Darren Hoover, a Gold Star parent, directed harsh words at Vice President Harris, accusing her of lacking empathy and decency. His critique, in fact, reflects the broader sentiment among Gold Star family members who were present at the ceremony and support Trump's actions. "You should be ashamed and embarrassed about your lack of empathy and decency as a human being," charged Hoover. "You are only in this for the power and prestige."
Moreover, these families have expressed significant discontent with the Biden-Harris administration's approach to the events related to Afghanistan, including the chaotic withdrawal that led to the 2021 Kabul attack.
The Trump campaign reacted strongly against the allegations of misconduct at Arlington. Specifically, spokesman Steven Cheung emphasized that the event was sanctioned by the families present and accused an Arlington employee of causing an unnecessary disturbance.
Additionally, Steve Nikoui, another Gold Star parent, pointedly blamed the Harris administration for his son's death during the Kabul airport attack. He said, "Your administration killed my son. You were not at Dover for the dignified transfer, and not once have you honored him by saying his name."
In response, Kamala Harris issued a White House statement, extending her condolences. "Today and every day, I mourn and honor them. My prayers are with their families and loved ones. My heart breaks for their pain and their loss," she said.
Comments from Trump supporters and certain campaign staff also attacked Harris for the execution of the Afghanistan withdrawal. For instance, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt criticized Harris for a decision that led to one of the most "embarrassing events in American history."
In addition, Cheryl Juels, capturing the sentiments of many affected families, accused President Joe Biden of being indebted to those who served. She stated, "Look at our faces. Look at our pain and our heartbreak. And look at our rage. [The Afghanistan withdrawal] was not an extraordinary success. Joe Biden owes the men and women who served in Afghanistan a debt of gratitude, and an apology."
On the other hand, the Harris campaign pointed to her official statement as her response to the unfolding controversy, reiterating her respect and honor for the fallen service members. Nevertheless, many like Mark Schmitz, whose child was killed in the Kabul attack, found this frustrating, expressing a preference for Trump's demeanor as more befitting a leader.
As the November elections draw near, this episode underscores the sharp political and emotional divisions that the contentious withdrawal from Afghanistan continues to stoke among American families and political factions. Ultimately, the controversy over Arlington National Cemetery’s breach of political neutrality, the evident support of Gold Star families for Trump, and Vice President Harris's defensive position encapsulates the ongoing national debate over accountability and respect for military service and sacrifice.
