What I think I know : They tried to take a picture at Arlington National Cemetery, but couldn’t? There was a physical altercation maybe? But the Trump campaign said there wasn’t?
Is there more to this? Can someone explain to me the context of how this is a scandal?
Like I hate Trump but I don’t understand why this is a big deal. It doesn’t seem to involve the man personally, just some staffers who had an argument with a cemetery worker, and seems like small potatoes compared to other scandals he’s had. Is it because of how sacred the cemetary is, or did they get into an actual fist fight, or did Trump personally interfere in some way?
They were going to be in a section of the cemetery where soldiers had just recently been buried and so were asked well ahead of time not to film in that one specific area. The Trump team of course ignored this simple request and immediately started trying to film there. The cemetery staff tried to keep them from doing the exact thing they agreed ahead of time not to do and apparently it turned into some minor physical altercation
- They attended a ceremony in a part of the cemetery off-limits to photography and political events, due to some sort of dealings instigated by House Speaker Mike Johnson.
- Trump was told he could only attend in a personal capacity and that no hangers-on would be allowed in.
- When an official tried to enforce these limitations on his visit, a large staffer physically pushed her aside, claiming that photography was allowed, so he and at least one or two staffers were there instead of just Trump himself.
- Trump has (of course) posted this crap all over his social media, using it for political purposes, in spite of the conditions under which his visit was supposed to take place. (Honoring a fallen soldier in a civilian capacity.)
- And after it is all over and starting to blow up in his face, his response is unsurprisingly to lie about it all, despite photographic evidence (of the politics and extra staffers) and eye witness confirmation of the physical aspect (by Army personnel) that it happened.
“Arlington National Cemetery routinely hosts public wreath laying ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for individuals and groups who submit requests in advance. ANC conducts nearly 3,000 such public ceremonies a year without incident. Participants in the August 26th ceremony and the subsequent Section 60 visit were made aware of federal laws, Army regulations, and DoD policies, which clearly prohibit political activities on cemetery grounds. An ANC employee who attempted to ensure adherence to these rules was abruptly pushed aside. Consistent with the decorum expected at ANC, this employee acted with professionalism and avoided further disruption. The incident was reported to the JBM-HH police department, but the employee subsequently decided not to press charges. Therefore, the Army considers this matter closed. This incident was unfortunate, and it is also unfortunate that the ANC employee and her professionalism has been unfairly attacked. ANC is a national shrine to the honored dead of the Armed Forces, and its dedicated staff will continue to ensure public ceremonies are conducted with the dignity and respect the nation’s fallen deserve.”
https://www.npr.org/2024/08/29/nx-s1-5092087/trump-arlington-cemetery-altercation-video
Ah, the soldier was a woman. It all makes sense now
Clarifying question because your comment could be interpreted in two ways. Did you mean:
- “It all makes sense now because women are hysterical” or
- “It all makes sense now because of course the Trump team would bully and slander a woman”
The logical conclusion would be #2.
