US Vice President Kamala Harris criticized former President Donald Trump on Saturday for using footage from his recent visit to Arlington National Cemetery in a campaign video. Harris called the cemetery a “solemn place” meant for honoring American heroes, not for political purposes.
Trump’s visit, which included a wreath-laying ceremony for the 13 service members who died during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, and a tour of Section 60, has drawn backlash. Federal law and Pentagon policies prohibit political activities at this hallowed ground, but Trump’s campaign posted a TikTok video featuring scenes from the visit as he competes with Harris for the White House.
The visit sparked criticism from veterans and relatives of soldiers. The US Army defended a cemetery employee who was removed from Section 60 during Trump’s visit, stating she acted professionally.
Harris accused Trump of disrespecting “sacred ground” for a “political stunt.” Trump responded by posting videos on Truth Social showing relatives of some of the deceased service members defending his actions and questioning Harris’s support for military families.
Trump’s campaign, including his vice presidential pick JD Vance and press secretary Karoline Leavitt, also pushed back against Harris’s remarks, accusing her of insensitivity toward the fallen servicemembers.
Trump’s visit coincided with the third anniversary of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, a topic he used to criticize President Joe Biden and, by extension, Harris. Harris’s comments on the cemetery visit highlight her criticisms of Trump’s past remarks about military veterans, including calling them “suckers” and “losers.”
The debate on September 10 is expected to further address these issues as Harris and Trump continue their campaign battle.
