In a latest controversy surrounding former President Donald Trump, public furor continues to escalate over his behavior during a visit to Arlington National Cemetery on August 26, 2024. Images and campaign photos have recently emerged, capturing Trump grinning widely and giving a "thumbs-up" gesture while standing behind the grave of an American serviceman killed during the 2021 U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan. The photographs also reveal two U.S. Army Green Berets buried nearby.

The Trump campaign reacted to the increasing backlash by releasing a video showcasing Trump at Arlington National Cemetery while criticizing the Biden administration's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. However, his politicking and seemingly cavalier demeanor at a site regarded as "America's most sacred shrine" has received intense criticism from the media, including former military leaders.

On September 3, 2024, Trump took to Truth Social, his social media platform, and claimed that the reports surrounding the incident were a "made-up story by Comrade Kamala and her misinformation squad." His campaign staff contends that they had obtained permission from the family of one soldier buried at Arlington to capture photos and videos. However, according to a legal scholar specializing in cemetery law, this permission is irrelevant since the family members are not cemetery officials. It is clear that the actions of Trump and his campaign staff violated the rules of Arlington National Cemetery, a place that demands visitors to "conduct yourselves with dignity and respect at all times."

Arlington National Cemetery stands out as a unique cemetery, as it remains under the control of the Department of the Army, unlike most cemeteries that have been transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs or National Park Service. Federal law designates Arlington as a "national shrine to the honored dead of the Armed Forces," which deems certain acts and activities inappropriate at the site.

Cemetery owners typically determine the rules regarding burials and visitor conduct. Cemeteries have the authority to establish visitor codes of conduct and regulate activities within their premises, surpassing the wishes of the family members of the deceased. Arlington National Cemetery, in particular, has among the strictest rules in the United States, prohibiting activities such as running, cycling, and picnicking. Disrespectful and disorderly conduct, as well as partisan political activities, are explicitly forbidden.

Despite attending Arlington National Cemetery at the invitation of the families of two U.S. Marines who were killed in the Kabul airport bombing on August 26, 2021, Trump and his campaign staff violated several cemetery rules during their visit. A cemetery employee approached them to explain that political activity is prohibited at Arlington. According to NPR, a Trump campaign staffer allegedly disregarded the warning and even verbally abused and pushed the employee. The employee reported the incident to military police but opted not to press charges, fearing harassment from Trump supporters.

The Army, in an uncommon move, issued a formal statement on August 27, rebuking a public figure for inappropriate behavior at one of its cemeteries. The statement affirmed that federal law prohibits political campaign or election-related activities within Army National Military Cemeteries, including photographers and content creators supporting partisan political campaigns.

While many modern cemeteries allow various activities, Arlington National Cemetery adheres to stricter guidelines. Visitors may take photos with prior authorization and an escort, but as of April 2022, filming for partisan, political, or fundraising purposes is prohibited. Additionally, permission from the deceased's next of kin is required to film a headstone, a rule overlooked by the Trump campaign during their visit.

Violating Arlington's rules does not carry criminal penalties; however, the cemetery's executive director retains the authority to remove violators from the premises and prevent their return. The Army has deemed the matter closed, without disclosing if anyone has been barred from returning to the cemetery. As public outrage continues to mount, Trump's actions at Arlington National Cemetery remain a contentious topic, highlighting the need for adherence to the cemetery's strict regulations and respect for its status as a hallowed ground.