U.S. Army Defends Arlington Employee Amid Trump Cemetery Visit Controversy

The U.S. Army defended an Arlington National Cemetery employee who was pushed aside during a visit by former President Donald Trump. The incident occurred during a wreath-laying ceremony honoring servicemembers killed in Afghanistan. Videos by Trump's campaign triggered criticism, calling the employee’s professionalism into question.

The U.S. Army on Thursday defended an Arlington National Cemetery employee who was pushed aside during a visit by former President Donald Trump, saying she acted professionally and was being unfairly attacked.

The incident occurred during a Monday wreath-laying ceremony by Trump, the Republican candidate for the Nov. 5 presidential election, honoring 13 servicemembers killed in the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal. Videos taken by Trump's campaign during the visit fueled criticism against the employee.

Federal laws and Pentagon policies prohibit political activities in the cemetery. "The incident was unfortunate, and it is also unfortunate that the ANC employee and her professionalism have been unfairly attacked," the Army stated. Trump's campaign spokesperson defended the actions, claiming the individual suffered a mental health episode.

(With inputs from agencies.)