Perspective: Trump's Arlington Blunder is not the First by a Presidential Candidate
How McCain and Edwards hit Arlington tripwires, but avoided Trump’s Mistake
Some additional perspective: In the late 1990s and early 2000s, both John McCain and John Edwards faced public outcry after using Arlington National Cemetery in their political campaign ads. The response to these controversies was swift and decisive, and both candidates handled the situation with a degree of humility and respect that stands in stark contrast to how Donald Trump and his team recently navigated similar waters.
John McCain’s 1999 Controversy
In 1999, Senator John McCain was running a campaign ad that briefly featured Arlington Cemetery. The ad, which aimed to underscore McCain’s military service and his dedication to veterans, included a few seconds of footage showing the rows of headstones at Arlington—a powerful but sensitive image. The use of this sacred site immediately sparked backlash from veterans’ groups and the public, who argued that Arlington should never be used as a backdrop for political gain.
McCain’s response was immediate. Recognizing the sensitivity of the issue, his campaign swiftly apologized and pulled the ad. McCain’s reaction was seen as a respectful acknowledgment of the misstep, allowing him to maintain his image as a candidate who deeply respected military service and its associated symbols.
John Edwards’ 2004 Incident
John Edwards faced a similar situation in 2004. That year, his campaign also released an ad that included imagery of Arlington Cemetery, again sparking outrage for what was perceived as the politicization of a hallowed site. Like McCain, Edwards quickly recognized the gravity of the situation. His campaign issued an apology, and the ad was removed from circulation.
Both McCain and Edwards understood the deeply held belief that Arlington National Cemetery is a place of reverence, not politics. Their prompt actions diffused the controversies before they could do lasting damage to their campaigns.
The Trumpian Response
Fast forward to 2024, and Donald Trump finds himself embroiled in a similar controversy. However, unlike McCain and Edwards, Trump and his team have responded in a manner that has only exacerbated the situation. When initially faced with resistance from Arlington Cemetery officials over a planned ceremony with Gold Star families, the Trump team did not back down. Reports indicate that after Arlington Cemetery officials initially refused to allow Trump to participate in the event, citing concerns about politicizing the site, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson intervened, pressuring the cemetery to relent.
The situation only worsened when Trump’s campaign staff reportedly clashed with Arlington Cemetery officials, with accusations of campaign members pushing aside a cemetery employee who tried to enforce restrictions on photography and filming in Section 60. Despite federal laws prohibiting campaign activities in military cemeteries, Trump’s team defended their actions and pushed back against the allegations, further fueling the controversy.
Emerging Details and Johnson’s Intervention
In the days following the incident, more details have emerged regarding how the event unfolded. Initially, Arlington National Cemetery flatly refused the Trump team’s request to hold the ceremony. It was only after Speaker Mike Johnson got involved that the cemetery’s officials were pressured into allowing the event to proceed. Even then, they did so with significant reservations and warnings about the behavior expected during the visit.
This series of events underscores a sharp contrast between how previous candidates have navigated the delicate issue of involving Arlington Cemetery in their political activities and how Trump’s team has handled the situation. Where McCain and Edwards quickly diffused potential scandals with humility and respect, Trump’s approach has been characterized by confrontation and defiance, leading to a deepening of the controversy.
As this story continues to unfold, it highlights the ongoing debate over the boundaries of political activity and the sanctity of national symbols like Arlington National Cemetery. The differing responses also serve as a case study in the importance of respecting public sentiment and the enduring symbolism of military sites.