Staff Reports
The ongoing squabble between Gold Star families and the Biden administration is the latest spectacle of political theater, and it’s a blockbuster. Former President Donald Trump’s campaign recently struck back at accusations made by Vice President Kamala Harris regarding his visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where he honored the U.S. service members lost in the disastrous Kabul bombing during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Gold Star families did not hold back in defending Trump, calling out Harris for her attempts to twist the event into a political hot potato.
Trump made a somber visit to Arlington to mark the third anniversary of the suicide bombing that took the lives of 13 brave American soldiers. This tragedy unfolded amidst an evacuation that is now seen as one of the biggest blunders in modern military history. While attending this solemn event—a privilege granted to him by the Gold Star families—the former president has faced backlash from the left, particularly from Harris, who seems to think that honoring fallen heroes should come with a disclaimer to stay out of the political limelight.
Gold Star Families slam Harris for trying to use Trump’s Arlington cemetery visit as a campaign issue
This says it all: “Why did we want Trump there? It wasn’t to help his political campaign. We wanted a leader. That explains why you and Joe didn’t get a call.”… pic.twitter.com/Yu8kAK8Mf7
— AɯƙɯαɾԃMαɱα™® (@AwkwardMamaNews) September 1, 2024
Harris, in a burst of indignation, accused Trump of using Arlington as a backdrop for a “political stunt.” Apparently, paying respects to American heroes is a bridge too far for a Vice President who was reportedly the “last person in the room” during a catastrophic withdrawal. It’s ironic that while the Biden administration is grappling with its disastrous legacy, Harris is trying to pin the blame on Trump for doing exactly what he was invited to do—pay tribute to the fallen.
In her tirade, Harris didn’t just stop at mere insinuations. She dredged up discredited tales surrounding Trump’s alleged “altercation” with cemetery staff during prior visits, claims that have been debunked faster than one can say “fake news.” One can hardly blame the Gold Star families for wanting to set the record straight, and they did just that, rallying around Trump. They made it abundantly clear that the former president was their guest, and his presence was all about honoring the memories and sacrifices of their loved ones.
Even more concerning for Harris is the irony in her remarks. She invoked the well-worn “suckers and losers” narrative in her critique, a ploy that fell flat the first time it was flung around. In a moment meant for reflection, she instead turned it into an opportunity to heap derision on Trump, proving once again that for Team Biden, nothing is sacred, not even Arlington. While Trump showed respect and offered comfort to grieving families, the Vice President was busy politicizing grief, perhaps hoping to score points at a gathering meant to commemorate sacrifice solemnly.
Ultimately, the Gold Star families also revealed that both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had the opportunity to attend the memorial but opted to skip it. This decision speaks volumes, painting a picture of a leadership team that prefers distance from the realities facing military families and their tragic losses. Instead, they would rather fuel scandal than support those who have suffered so profoundly. Gold Star families made it clear that the true “disrespect” comes from those who refuse to show up for the very people who have paid the highest price for freedom.
