Donald Trump is facing widespread backlash from veterans and legal experts after a recent social media post that they argue not only disrespects fallen U.S. service members but may also violate federal law.
On Wednesday, Trump shared a video montage on TikTok from his visit to Arlington National Cemetery. The video, which includes a thumbs-up gesture at a gravesite, has sparked outrage and accusations that Trump broke laws prohibiting political activity on military burial grounds.
The video features Trump participating in a wreath-laying ceremony on the third anniversary of a tragic attack that claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. In the video, Trump reflects on the tragedy, stating, “We lost 13 great, great people. What a horrible day it was.”
While Trump does not explicitly mention President Joe Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris, he implies a contrast between his administration and the current one, asserting, “We didn’t lose one person in 18 months,” and criticizing the handling of Afghanistan.
The video includes a link directing viewers to a 2024 Election Center and voter registration site, raising further concerns about its compliance with regulations governing political activity at military cemeteries.
The post was uploaded to Trump’s @realdonaldtrump account, which prominently features his presidential title and campaign messaging, without any clear disclaimer about its political nature.
VoteVets, a progressive political action group composed of U.S. war veterans, condemned Trump’s use of the Arlington footage, claiming it breaches laws intended to protect the sanctity of military burial grounds.
“Trump is using footage and photos his campaign took at Arlington National Cemetary [sic] for political purposes — against the rules and laws that govern this hallowed ground,” the group stated.
In response, Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, refuted claims of wrongdoing, suggesting that a private photographer was permitted on site and criticizing an official who attempted to prevent the filming. Cheung also shared a screenshot on X purportedly showing official permission to film.
Despite these defenses, Trump’s video has been met with widespread criticism from political experts and commentators. Democratic strategist Sawyer Hackett criticized the use of Arlington footage for political ends, while Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal described the situation as “outrageous.”
“It’s against the law to use images from Arlington National Cemetery for politics,” Hackett wrote. “Someone should ask J.D. Vance today about his running mate breaking the law while using veterans as pawns.”
“I don’t know how much more plainly I can say it,” Ryssdal replied. “This is outrageous.”
Michael McDonald, a professor specializing in American elections, drew parallels to Trump’s recent legal troubles, noting the controversy over his conduct.
“Convicted felon breaks the law before his sentencing,” McDonald wrote.
“You can see his #BoneSpurs,” quipped Mario Nicolais, general counsel for the Lincoln Project, referencing Trump’s infamous medical deferment to avoid the U.S. military draft during the Vietnam War.
Meanwhile, a police official informed USA Today that no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the Arlington visit.
