Here's why Trump called Arlington National Cemetery altercation 'made up story' by Harris

WASHINGTON, DC: Former president Donald Trump dismissed reports of a confrontation at Arlington National Cemetery involving his campaign staff as a "made up story" on Tuesday, September 3.

The incident allegedly took place in Section 60 of the cemetery, a restricted area where soldiers recently killed in Afghanistan and Iraq are buried.

Donald Trump denies conflict at Arlington National Cemetery, blames Kamala Harris' 'misinformation squad'

Donald Trump took to Truth Social to address the situation, denying any conflict between his staff and cemetery officials.

He claimed the story was fabricated by Vice President Kamala Harris and her team to distract from the Biden administration's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal.

"There was no conflict or 'fighting' at Arlington National Cemetery last week," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "It was a made-up story by Comrade Kamala and her misinformation squad," he alleged.

Trump further criticized Harris and President Joe Biden, stating, "She made it all up to make up for the fact that she and Sleepy Joe have BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS for the INCOMPETENT AFGHANISTAN Withdrawal - THE MOST EMBARRASSING DAY IN U.S. HISTORY!!!"

Donald Trump points at Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' absence at Arlington ceremony

Donald Trump further slammed Joe Biden for vacationing on the beach over attending the Arlington ceremony while raving Kamala Harris of keeping herself busy in debate preparations. 

"They should have been at Arlington, not on a beach or studying for a Debate," Trump wrote further.

He also expressed gratitude to the "GREAT GOLD STAR FAMILIES" for revealing what he described as "THE TRUTH OF A BEAUTIFUL DAY OF HONOR."

"Could not have been a nicer moment-And there were no fights or problems, only in the heads of those that are destroying our Country! MAGA2024," Trump added.

US Army reports conflict at Arlington National Cemetery, Democrats demand investigation

The US Army reported last week that Arlington National Cemetery officials were “abruptly pushed aside” while enforcing rules prohibiting political activities on cemetery grounds.

According to the Army, this occurred when Trump’s staff attempted to film and take photos in the restricted Section 60.

On Saturday, congressional Democrats called on the Army to deliver a report on what had taken place at the cemetery by Monday.

Harris later addressed the issue, posting on X  that the military burial site is “not a place for politics.”

"Let me be clear: the former president disrespected sacred ground, all for the sake of a political stunt,” the Vice President wrote, adding that she would “never politicize” such an event.

Gold Star families defend Donald Trump’s visit to Arlington National Cemetery

Despite the controversy, eight members of Gold Star families, who lost relatives in the line of duty, defended Donald Trump’s visit to the cemetery.

The Trump campaign posted the message on X (formerly Twitter) and Truth Social, explaining that they had invited Trump to the ceremony and criticizing the Biden-Harris administration for the Afghanistan pull-out three years ago.

“Why did we want Trump there? It wasn’t to help his political campaign,” said Mark Schmitz, father of Marine Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, in one video. “We wanted a leader. That explains why you and Joe didn’t get a call,” The Guardian reported.

Darin Hoover, the father of Marine Staff Sergeant Taylor Hoover, also voiced his support, stating that Harris lacks “empathy and basic understanding” about the event while asserting that Trump’s appearance was respectful.

Trump discussed his visit during a campaign stop in Pennsylvania on Friday, further addressing the situation.

“I wasn’t doing it for publicity. I get a lot of publicity,” the former president said. “I would like to get a lot less publicity. I’m the only guy that would hire a public relations agency to get less publicity,” Trump remarked.