Trump Issues Several Statements On Incident After Report
With just 70 days to go until the 2024 November election, the political tensions are heating up, and it seems like no stone is being left unturned.
The latest flare-up? A controversial incident involving former President Donald Trump during a solemn ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
Let’s set the scene. On August 26, 2021, 13 American soldiers tragically lost their lives in the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. Fast forward to now—Trump paid his respects to these fallen heroes by attending a wreath-laying ceremony in section 60 of Arlington, where they are laid to rest. It was a moment filled with emotion, especially for the families still grieving their loss.
We were granted access to have a photographer there. https://t.co/s2E9lNdksK pic.twitter.com/dXbZ03hwzB
— Steven Cheung (@TheStevenCheung) August 27, 2024
But just a day after Trump’s visit, NPR published a story that’s causing quite a stir. The outlet claimed that an altercation occurred between members of Trump’s team and a cemetery worker who allegedly tried to stop the group from taking photographs. According to NPR, the situation escalated, with Trump’s campaign staff verbally abusing and pushing the official aside.
Naturally, this report didn’t sit well with Trump’s camp. Campaign spokesman Steven Cheung quickly fired back, calling the claims false and defamatory. Cheung explained that a private photographer had permission to be there, and that the incident involved an unnamed individual who, in Cheung’s words, was “clearly suffering from a mental health episode” and tried to block Trump’s team during the ceremony. He even offered to release footage to refute the claims.
What makes this situation even more poignant are the words of Chery Juels, the aunt of Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, one of the 13 soldiers who lost their lives. Juels praised Trump for his respectful and heartfelt tribute, saying he took the time to listen to the families and honor the memories of their loved ones.
She contrasted this with her disappointment in President Biden, who she claims has ignored these Gold Star families for over three years.
Senior Trump adviser Chris LaCivita also weighed in, calling the actions of the person who interfered with Trump’s team “despicable.” LaCivita emphasized that Trump was there at the invitation of the Abbey Gate Gold Star Families and that any attempt to disrupt the ceremony was a disgrace.