The White House clarifies that Biden and Harris were not invited to Arlington Cemetery by Gold Star families, countering claims from GOP Sen. Tom Cotton and Tulsi Gabbard.
The White House has refuted claims that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were invited to Arlington National Cemetery by Gold Star families to mark the third anniversary of the Abbey Gate attack in Afghanistan. This response counters assertions made by GOP Sen. Tom Cotton and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
Cotton and Gabbard suggested that Biden and Harris were invited alongside Trump, who recently visited Arlington and faced criticism for posing for photos with Gold Star families in a traditionally photo-prohibited area.
John Kirby, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, emphasized that Trump’s visit was a “personal invitation by families” and suggested that there are other ways to honor the anniversary of the Abbey Gate attack. He stressed the importance of supporting the families of the fallen and injured without necessarily drawing public attention.
The Army has also accused a Trump campaign staff member of disrupting cemetery staff enforcing photo restrictions.
Cotton, appearing on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” claimed that Gold Star families invited both Biden and Harris, but they did not attend. Gabbard echoed this sentiment on CNN, asserting that Biden and Harris were invited but did not respond.
Trump defended his actions, stating that the photos were requested by the families. He also clarified that he did not initiate the photos or videos, and suggested that the campaign’s use of the content was not directly controlled by him.
Trump criticized Biden and Harris for allegedly not attending the ceremony, and the Trump campaign released videos defending his visit. Gold Star families supported Trump’s visit, stating they were “appalled” by Harris’ criticism, accusing her of politicizing a solemn occasion.
Harris had previously condemned Trump’s visit as disrespectful, leading to further controversy and debate over the handling of the Arlington National Cemetery visit.
