Harris-Trump spat after 'political stunt' during military cemetery visit
Báo Thanh niên•02/09/2024
US Vice President Kamala Harris said Donald Trump's visit to Arlington National Cemetery was disrespectful, following a controversy over his campaign's actions there.
Vice President Kamala Harris criticized her Republican presidential rival Donald Trump on August 31 for his visit to Arlington National Cemetery, calling it disrespectful and a political stunt. Harris wrote in a post on X. "This is not a place for politics. However, Donald Trump's team chose to film a video there, leading to a fight with cemetery staff. Let me be clear: the former president disrespected sacred ground, all for the sake of a political stunt." Harris' post came five days after Donald Trump attended a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on August 26.
Donald Trump attended a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington Cemetery on August 26.
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
The event, which Trump said was to honor 13 service members who died during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, was also held at Section 60 of the cemetery, which the military considers sacred ground. The former president posed for photos with relatives of service members. His campaign also filmed the video for promotional purposes. The incident has sparked controversy because federal law and Pentagon policy prohibit political activities and prohibit political photography in Section 60. On August 29, the US military issued a rare statement saying a cemetery employee was “pushed aside” after he asked Trump’s team to stop filming at the burial site of people killed in recent wars.
Mr. Trump took a photo with relatives of soldiers.
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
The military said the employee had “acted professionally” and was unfairly attacked. Trump’s visit to the cemetery has also drawn criticism from some veterans and relatives of soldiers. At a rally on the evening of August 30, Trump said it was the families of the fallen soldiers who asked to take a photo with him. Trump also blamed the White House for the criticism he has faced.
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