The Trump campaign, the 45th president, and Gold Star families launched a scathing defense attack against Vice President Kamala Harris over Labor Day weekend, after the Democratic nominee claimed that Trump had “disrespected sacred ground” at Arlington National Cemetery.
“You should be ashamed and embarrassed [about] your lack of empathy and decency as a human being,” Darren Hoover, the father of Marine Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, said in a video shared by Trump and directed at Harris. “You are only in this for the power and prestige. You don’t care for our military or the citizens of this country.
Hoover was one of eight Gold Star family members who recorded video messages published on Trump’s X account slamming Harris for claiming that Trump had “disrespected sacred ground” last week at Arlington National Cemetery on the anniversary of the Biden-Harris administration’s botched withdrawal from Afghanistan that left 13 U.S. service members killed.
Trump joined Gold Star families at the national cemetery in Virginia last Monday for a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the 13 service members who were killed during the terrorist attack at Abbey Gate outside Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport on Aug. 26, 2021.
## Harris’ Controversial Statements
Harris’ absence from public memorials honoring the fallen service members in Afghanistan was conspicuous. She only issued a statement Monday morning, while President Biden was on back-to-back vacations in California and Delaware. Biden also released a White House statement last week honoring the service members killed.
## Controversy Surrounding the Arlington Cemetery Visit
The controversy over the Arlington cemetery visit intensified when Harris posted an attack against Trump’s visit, accusing him of disrespecting sacred ground. However, Trump’s campaign pushed back, with a spokesman arguing that a cemetery staffer who blocked the campaign photographers appeared to be having a “mental health episode” and that they had approval to bring a photographer.
## Criticisms From Gold Star Families
Gold Star families, including parents of fallen soldiers, expressed their dissatisfaction with the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the situation in Afghanistan. They accused the administration of being responsible for the deaths of the service members, urging them to take responsibility for their actions.
## Outrage and Responses
The post by Harris was met with a swift response from Trump’s campaign, supporters, and Gold Star families, with many questioning Harris’ commitment to the military and highlighting Trump’s support for grieving families. The fallout continued on social media, with criticisms of Harris for being absent during public events to honor the fallen service members.
## Continued Calls for Accountability
Critics, including some Republican lawmakers and supporters, continue to demand investigations into the circumstances surrounding the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan. The lingering anger and disappointment from Gold Star families underscore the need for accountability and recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel.
