Gold Star Families Defend Trump Visit Amid Controversy with Harris

Gold Star families supported Donald Trump's visit to Arlington National Cemetery, defending him against accusations by Vice President Kamala Harris. The controversy revolves around the handling of the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which led to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members. Trump criticized Harris for politicizing the event, while his campaign is accused of flouting cemetery rules.

Gold Star families rallied behind Donald Trump, defending his visit to Arlington National Cemetery amid accusations by Vice President Kamala Harris. The families asserted Trump's participation was to honor fallen U.S. service members from the chaotic 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, a crisis intertwined with Trump's and Biden's policies.

The controversy escalated when Harris accused Trump of politicizing 'sacred ground,' prompting Trump's campaign to release statements and images countering the vice president's claims. Some family members backed Trump publicly, denying Harris's allegation of fabricated motives.

Defense officials noted that Trump's campaign was cautioned against partisan actions at Arlington, an issue further complicated by allegations of misconduct by Trump aides. Both Trump and his campaign criticized Pentagon officials, asserting their right to document the ceremony.

(With inputs from agencies.)