Disrespect for nation’s war dead disqualifying for presidential hopeful

Arlington National Cemetery and other military cemeteries across the United States represent the ultimate sacrifice made by American service members in defense of the nation. These hallowed grounds are governed by strict protocols to ensure that the dignity and solemnity of the space are upheld. Yet, on Monday, a disturbing altercation between Donald Trump’s campaign staff and a cemetery official at Arlington National Cemetery further illustrated the Republican presidential nominee’s ongoing disregard for America’s men and women in uniform.

According to reporting by National Public Radio, the cemetery official sought to prevent two Trump campaign staffers from filming and photographing in Section 60, where recent U.S. casualties are buried. Arlington officials had made it clear that only cemetery staff were authorized to take photographs or film in this area and federal law prohibits political activities within national military cemeteries. Nevertheless, when the cemetery official intervened in Trump’s plan to create a photo-op, Trump campaign staff reportedly resorted to verbal abuse and physical force to bypass the restrictions.

In a statement to NPR, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung dismissed the notion of a physical altercation, instead accusing the cemetery official of suffering from a “mental health episode.” This disparaging remark raises further questions about the credibility of the Trump team’s account.

Trump undermined his credibility even more Tuesday, when the campaign released video and still images of the candidate that were taken in Section 60 — a clear and blatant violation of the cemetery’s policies. Throughout the video, Trump and his team can be seen smiling and giving “thumbs up” while Trump discusses the politics of the campaign.

In other words, the solemn burial ground of American soldiers is just a trivial background set for Trump to flounce about in, grinning ghoulishly.

The incident at Arlington is not an isolated occurrence but rather part of a broader pattern of Trump’s disdain for the military and its values.

At a Republican megadonor event this month, Trump suggested that the Presidential Medal of Freedom is “actually much better” than the Congressional Medal of Honor because, “everyone gets the Congressional Medal of Honor, they’re soldiers. They’re either in very bad shape because they’ve been hit so many times by bullets, or they’re dead,” whereas the megadonor upon whom he bestowed the Medal of Freedom is “a healthy, beautiful woman.”

The Medal of Honor, established over 160 years ago, is the nation’s highest award for military valor in action. It is bestowed after a rigorous vetting process, with nominations reviewed by military leaders and requiring presidential approval. Donald “Bonespurs” Trump should kneel before recipients of the medal.

In contrast, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, established in 1963, is the nation’s highest civilian honor and is awarded at the president’s discretion and has sometimes been awarded for political reasons.

Trump’s casual dismissal of the Medal of Honor’s significance, suggesting that “everyone gets the Congressional Medal of Honor,” and his implication that a wealthy, healthy donor to his campaign is more deserving of recognition than soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, reveals a profound misunderstanding of military valor and sacrifice.

Trump’s own handling of the Medal of Freedom while serving as president further underscores his disregard for the true spirit of such honors. Of the 24 Medals of Freedom he awarded, not one was given to an individual for accomplishments in education, humanitarian work, religion or science. Only one received the medal for contributions to the arts: Elvis Presley.

Instead, Trump focused on rewarding wealthy political donors, loyalists, and athletes he wished to associate with, further politicizing the award. Notably, only three of the 24 recipients were women, including Trump’s largest political donor, billionaire Miriam Adelson.

Of course, Trump’s history of disrespect toward the military is well-documented. During his presidency, Trump’s senior aides maintain he referred to American war dead as “losers” and “suckers” — comments that were met with widespread outrage. He publicly disparaged Sen. John McCain, a former prisoner of war, stating, “I like people who weren’t captured.”

In 2018, Trump skipped a planned visit to a World War I cemetery in France, citing rain, and later claimed that he didn’t want to get his hair wet. In 2020, he refused to visit a cemetery for U.S. Marines killed in World War I, reportedly saying, “Why should I go to that cemetery? It’s filled with losers.”

These incidents paint a clear picture of Trump’s consistent disregard for the military, its values and the sacrifices made by those who serve. His actions and words demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding — or worse, a willful ignorance — of the honor and respect that should be afforded to America’s service members. The idea that such a man should be commander in chief of a military he scarcely understands is sickening.

As the nation approaches another critical election, voters must consider what a vote for Trump signifies. It is not merely a choice of policy or party; it is a tacit approval of his blatant disrespect for the military and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. Conversely, rejecting such a candidate affirms the nation’s commitment to honoring those who have served and sacrificed for the country.

In this election, more than ever, the choices we make at the ballot box will reflect our values as a nation. Let us choose leaders who embody the respect, honor and dignity that America’s service members deserve.