In 2018, President Trump planned a visit to the Arlington National Cemetery, which is known to be the most sacred military cemetery in the United States. However, this visit sparked turmoil for a variety of reasons.
Firstly, the visit coincided with a highly contentious political climate, with polarization and criticism of the president at high levels. Critics stated that the president had disrespected military servicemen and women in the past, pointing to instances where he made controversial remarks about Gold Star families and prisoners of war. As such, any visit to a military site was bound to elicit strong reactions.
Secondly, the visit was seen as a violation of the apolitical nature of the cemetery. Arlington National Cemetery is a place of respect and mourning, so the insertion of politics, no matter the president or party, can be seen as disrespectful and intrusive.
Lastly, the planning and execution of the visit was also problematic. There were concerns about crowd control and safety, especially in light of the tense political climate. Some families, who have loved ones buried there, expressed fear that protests or any chaotic event might disturb the sanctity of the cemetery.
It’s worth noting that such visits are not uncommon for presidents, who often visit Arlington on Memorial Day or Veterans Day. However, the specific circumstances surrounding this particular visit made it especially controversial.
