A New Low Trump disrespects a shrine to American heroes Dan Rather and Team Steady Aug 28 Credit: Getty Images It takes a lot to really rile me. Silly stuff like selling $60 autographed Bibles or shilling $99 digital trading cards of himself are at the core of Donald Trump’s huckster persona. But then there’s another Trump, one who has zero respect for the institutions that make this country what it is, and that is especially true of the United States military. Trump has a long record of disrespecting those who have served, using disparaging terms. But those were just words. On Monday, he crossed a line. Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery, among the most solemn and sacred places in the United States. It’s where 400,000 members of the armed services are buried, along with many of their spouses and dependents. It’s also the final resting place for two presidents and scores of war heroes. Trump started with what should have been a somber and respectful wreath laying. It was not. It was a campaign stunt. The wreaths were for the 13 soldiers who died in a suicide bombing three years ago as American troops were withdrawing from Afghanistan. Trump has tried to make the “chaotic withdrawal” — his words — of troops and civilians and the ensuing casualties a campaign issue, blaming President Biden and Vice President Harris. He has referred to it as “the most embarrassing moment” in American history. Using a visit to Arlington National Cemetery for political gain is horrific enough, but it gets worse. After the wreath laying, Trump moved on to the graves of two of the 13 Marines. According to National Public Radio, Trump staffers were told by an Army official they could not shoot campaign video or photographs at the grave site because it was against federal law. The official tried to prevent them from doing so. He was then verbally abused and shoved out of the way by Trump staffers, according to NPR. Once the way had been cleared, Trump smiled wide and gave one of his gratuitous thumbs up while a photographer snapped away … among the graves of Marines who gave their lives for their country. The photo soon made its way onto social media, just as Trump had hoped. My reaction was the same as many others who have personally witnessed Americans dying on the battlefield. I was sickened. In a statement, Arlington National Cemetery officials said, “Federal law prohibits political campaign or election-related activities within Army National Military Cemeteries, to include photographers, content creators or any other persons attending for purposes, or in direct support of a partisan political candidate’s campaign. Arlington National Cemetery reinforced and widely shared this law and its prohibitions with all participants.” An official report has been filed. I won’t be holding my breath for anything to come of that. Trump’s campaign has responded by saying their photographer was “permitted on the premises” and that the Arlington official was “clearly suffering from a mental health episode.” The campaign has failed to release promised footage of the incident exonerating the staffers. Trump’s latest leaves me angry and appalled, that he would denigrate this solemn place for a photo op. How can this man be put back in charge of the country’s military when he clearly doesn’t respect them or what they do? Remember that Trump got out of serving in Vietnam because of “bone spurs.” He has called American fighting men and women who paid the ultimate price “suckers and losers.” He has ridiculed prisoners of war, like the late Senator John McCain. “He’s not a war hero, he’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured, okay?” Trump said during the 2016 campaign. Despite its apparent illegality, there will likely be no legal repercussions for this callous act of disrespect. But could there be an even bigger consequence? Losing the election. If you value independent journalism that provides critical information to protect our democracy, please consider upgrading as a supporting member. It allows me to keep Steady sustainable and free for those who cannot afford it, especially in an election season when we need everyone to see it. Thank you. No matter how you subscribe, I thank you for reading. Stay Steady, Dan