Trump Claims Arlington Photo-Op Was Families’ Request, Not His
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/File via CNN Newsource
Donald Trump attempted to deflect criticism from his recent controversial visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where he was photographed smiling and giving a thumbs-up by the graves of American war heroes. The incident, which occurred earlier in the week, has sparked outrage among veterans and the families of those buried at Arlington.
Despite the days that have passed since the event, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to address the backlash. He asserted that the visit was not his idea but rather an invitation extended by several families who wanted him to honor their fallen loved ones.
“I want to thank the families of our Great Warriors who have been lost to us for the way they came together as one, and thanked me for attending, at their request, the Celebration of their wonderful family members who, because of the Incompetence of Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, are no longer with us,” Trump wrote. “Thank you for saying you wanted me to stand with you at Arlington National Ceremony, and take pictures, that it was your request, not mine, but it was my Great Honor to do so. I WILL NEVER FORGET!”
In his post, Trump also took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris, accusing her of trying to twist the narrative around the event. “Lightweight V.P. Kamala Harris tried turning it around, because they weren’t there, have never spoken to the families, and have no intention to do so,” he continued. “In Afghanistan, you don’t take the Soldiers out first, you take the Soldiers out last. This would be Military 101, the most basic, and the ‘leaders’ of that Disaster should be immediately fired.”
Attempting to shift the conversation, Trump also commented on the recent murder of six Israeli hostages in Gaza, saying, “We have FOOLS in the White House, and now, they are trying to solve the Hostage Crisis in Israel. Guess how that’s going to turn out?”
Trump’s remarks have done little to quell the outrage, as many continue to criticize his actions at Arlington, viewing them as a disrespectful and self-serving photo opportunity rather than a sincere tribute to the fallen.
