Trump 'not' involved in campaign at Arlington, insists servicemember's kin who attended DNC

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA: Donald Trump was not involved in any political campaigning during his visit to Arlington National Cemetery, according to Christy Shamblin, the mother-in-law of a fallen soldier who attended the event.

Shamblin explained that Trump was invited by the families to Section 60 of the cemetery to spend time with their loved ones.

Christy Shamblin on Donald Trump's Arlington National Cemetery visit

Christy Shamblin clarified that the visit was a private event, and Donald Trump was called “at our request to spend time with our loved ones." 

"We were happy to welcome him," Shamblin told CNN. The visit took place on Monday, August 26, with no press presence and a private, respectful atmosphere.

Shamblin shared that the day had a "more celebratory feeling," noting that while it is challenging to find ways to celebrate loved ones at a cemetery, the atmosphere was respectful.

"There was not a press presence there," Shamblin stated, adding that they privately took pictures among themselves.

The families had also extended an invitation to the Biden-Harris administration but did not receive a response from the White House.

Christy Shamblin's response to Donald Trump's campaign video

When asked about Donald Trump sharing footage from the visit in a campaign video on TikTok, Christy Shamblin responded that she does not use the social video.

"There’s no political campaigning that was done at Section 60 that day." Shamblin said.

After being pressed further on the topic, she reiterated, "I just have to go back to, we really just want our kids to be remembered and honored, and it’s unfortunate that we can’t get that, you know, in other ways. So we support President Trump and he’s supported us."

Shamblin was an invited guest and speaker at the Republican National Convention, where she spoke about her daughter-in-law, Nicole Gee, who was among the 13 Americans and 60 Afghans killed in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan in August 2021.

Shamblin said Trump "allowed us to remember our heroes" and added, "Donald Trump knew all of our children’s names, and he spoke to us in a way that made us feel understood."

Trump appeared to share photos and video from the visit in a politically motivated manner. 

The video posted to Trump’s account on TikTok also showed him commenting, "And then they took over that disaster — the leaving of Afghanistan," with a caption that reads, "Should have never happened," The Wrap noted. 

Arlington Cemetery statement on political campaign

Arlington National Cemetery reacted after cemetery videos were posted on Donald Trump's campaign.

"Federal law prohibits political campaign or election-related activities within Army National Military Cemeteries, to include photographers, content creators or any other persons attending for purposes, or in direct support of a partisan political candidate’s campaign," Arlington Cemetery wrote in a statement and reiterated that they reinforced and shared this law with all participants.