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“Federal law prohibits political campaign or election-related activities within Army National Military Cemeteries, to include photographers, content creators or any other persons attending for purposes, or in direct support of a partisan political candidate’s campaign,” the statement read, as reported by NBC.
In response, Trump’s campaign communications director, Steven Cheun, swiftly denied any wrongdoing, taking to social media to assert that the campaign had received explicit permission to document the visit. “We were granted access to have a photographer there,” Cheun wrote in his post, standing by the campaign’s actions.
Further bolstering Trump’s defense, the campaign released a statement on Tuesday from five family members of two fallen service members, Marine Staff Sgt. Darin “Taylor” Hoover and Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee. Their message was unequivocal in its praise for Trump and his respectful conduct during the visit.
“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to President Donald J. Trump at the recent Section 60 gathering,” the statement began. “The president and his team conducted themselves with nothing but the utmost respect for all of our service members, especially our beloved children.”
The statement from these families underscores the deep connection Trump has forged with many in the military community, particularly those who have lost loved ones in service to the country. This latest incident at Arlington, while controversial, has only served to solidify the former president’s bond with these families.
Trump’s co-campaign manager, Chris LaCivita, also took to social media to share a video of Trump laying flowers on the grave of Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, another victim of the tragic bombing at Kabul’s Abbey Gate on August 26, 2021. LaCivita noted that Trump had spoken with the Knauss family by phone, further highlighting his personal engagement with the families of the fallen.
Carry 46 rounds concealed? (comfortably)
LaCivita didn’t hold back in his criticism of both the Arlington official involved in the altercation and the source of the NPR report. “For a despicable individual to physically prevent President Trump’s team from accompanying him to this solemn event is a disgrace and does not deserve to represent the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery,” LaCivita stated, making his outrage clear.
He continued, condemning those spreading misinformation about the incident: “Whoever this individual is spreading these lies is dishonoring the men and women of our armed forces, and they are disrespecting everyone who paid the price for defending our country.”
The controversy has not only drawn the attention of the public but has also rallied other Gold Star families to Trump’s side. Mark Schmitz, the father of the late Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, who also died at Abbey Gate, expressed his admiration for Trump during an interview with Real America’s Voice, a conservative news outlet.
“That’s a leader,” Schmitz declared, praising Trump for acknowledging the importance of the anniversary and for his dedication to honoring the sacrifices of American service members.
As the dust settles from this latest altercation, one thing remains clear: Donald Trump continues to command significant support from military families, particularly those who have lost loved ones in service to the nation. This enduring bond between Trump and the Gold Star community highlights the deep respect many of these families hold for the former president, even amid ongoing political battles.
