Army Confirms Trump Staffer ‘Pushed’ Arlington Cemetery Official During Visit, Military Police Were Called
The U.S. Army has confirmed that a staffer from Donald Trump’s campaign pushed an Arlington National Cemetery employee during the former president’s visit on August 26. The incident took place in Section 60 of the cemetery, where photography and video recording are generally prohibited.
According to reports, the altercation occurred when the Trump staffer attempted to bypass the rules to capture images and footage of the visit and that the Military police were called over the incident.
The Army stated that an employee who was enforcing the cemetery’s regulations was “abruptly pushed aside” while trying to ensure compliance. The Army has labeled the incident as “unfortunate.”
In a statement, an Army spokesperson explained that Arlington National Cemetery routinely hosts public ceremonies, including wreath-laying events at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and adheres strictly to federal laws and regulations that prohibit political activities on its grounds. The cemetery conducts nearly 3,000 such ceremonies annually without incident.
The spokesperson detailed the events of August 26: “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.”
The Army has also expressed regret over the incident and emphasized that the cemetery staff’s professionalism has been unfairly criticized. Arlington National Cemetery remains a revered site, and its staff will continue to uphold the dignity and respect owed to the nation’s fallen heroes.
“This incident was unfortunate, and it is also unfortunate that the ANC employee and her professionalism has been unfairly attacked,” the Army stated. “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.”