Former President Donald Trump’s history of spats with the military and veterans has come under scrutiny once again following an incident at Arlington National Cemetery. This incident involved Trump’s aides filming and photographing in Section 60, the burial site for military personnel killed while fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. The family of a decorated Green Beret whose grave appeared in the footage issued a statement expressing support for those who lost loved ones in Kabul but also asking for understanding for the concerns of other relatives of service members buried nearby.
Criticism of Trump’s behavior towards the military and veterans is not new, with examples dating back to his disparaging remarks about the late Sen. John McCain’s military record. Despite his allies arguing that Trump supports service members, his actions and comments have been seen as disrespectful by many in the military community. The Arlington incident is just the latest in a series of controversies involving Trump and the military, including his comments about the Congressional Medal of Honor and his treatment of military families.
While Trump has maintained strong support from veterans in the past, recent comments and actions may be damaging his reputation within the community. His repeated slights towards the military, including referring to fallen soldiers as “suckers” and “losers,” have raised concerns among veterans and their families. The incident at Arlington National Cemetery has once again brought attention to Trump’s contentious relationship with the military and veterans, with some questioning his true commitment to those who have served.
Both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have made efforts to court veterans and their families, with each campaign highlighting their connections to the military. Trump has pushed to end foreign wars and taken credit for initiatives like Veterans Choice, despite inaccuracies in his claims. Harris, on the other hand, has chosen a running mate with a strong military background in an effort to appeal to veteran voters. The upcoming election will likely see continued efforts from both parties to appeal to the military community.
The impact of Trump’s behavior on his support among veterans remains to be seen, with some suggesting that his comments and actions could sway voters away from him. Organizations like VoteVets, which supports Harris’ candidacy, have capitalized on Trump’s controversies by offering pro-Harris merchandise aimed at veterans. With the election approaching, the issues of military support and veterans’ rights will likely continue to be key points of contention between the two campaigns.
In the end, the relationship between Trump and the military community is complex and fraught with controversy. While Trump has garnered support from some veterans for his policies and actions, his treatment of fallen soldiers and military families has raised questions about his true commitment to those who have served. As the election season heats up, both candidates will need to navigate these sensitive issues carefully in order to appeal to the military community and secure their votes.
