Exploiting Sacred Ground: Trump’s Disgraceful Politicization of Arlington National Cemetery
By John Estrada, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, USMC, (Ret.)
Arlington National Cemetery is hallowed ground, a sacred place where the memories of our fallen heroes are honored. It is a place where families find solace and where the ultimate sacrifice is remembered with reverence and dignity. For generations, this cemetery has symbolized the cost of freedom and the unwavering commitment of those who served our nation. It is not a backdrop for political grandstanding or a stage for cheap attacks. Yet, Donald Trump has once again crossed a line, using this sacred space to further his own political agenda and tarnish the memory of the brave men and women who rest there.
Recently, Trump staged an event at Arlington National Cemetery, a move that has sparked outrage for its blatant disregard for the sanctity of the site. What should have been a moment of solemn reflection turned into a disgraceful display of political opportunism. Trump, in his typical fashion, used the occasion to launch attacks on President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, shamelessly exploiting the memory of our fallen soldiers to advance his brand and image. The heroes buried at Arlington are not stage props for anyone’s political campaign, and to treat them as such is a betrayal of the respect and honor they deserve.
This event was made even more reprehensible by the behavior of Trump’s aides, who reportedly verbally abused and physically pushed aside an official from Arlington National Cemetery. This official, whose duty it is to uphold the dignity of the cemetery, attempted to stop Trump’s campaign staffers from turning the solemn memorial into a political rally. Their actions were not just disrespectful — they were a direct affront to the values that Arlington represents. The arrogance and entitlement displayed by Trump’s team in this situation indicate a broader problem: a fundamental lack of respect for the institutions and traditions that have long been the bedrock of American democracy.
The use of Arlington National Cemetery for political purposes is nothing short of desecration. The men and women who rest there gave their lives for something far more significant than partisan politics. They fought for the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality. Their sacrifices should unify us, reminding us of the shared values that bind us together as a nation. Instead, Trump has used their memory as a weapon in his ongoing battle for political power.
This is not the first time Trump has disrespected those who have served. His past comments mocking the late Senator John McCain, a decorated war hero, as well as reports that he referred to fallen soldiers as “losers” and “suckers,” reveal a troubling pattern of behavior. Trump’s actions at Arlington are part of this same pattern — disregarding the true meaning of service and sacrifice.
The heroes buried at Arlington deserve more than to be used as pawns in a political game. They deserve our utmost respect, gratitude, and commitment to preserving the values they fought for. Their memory should inspire us to rise above the divisions plaguing our nation, not be exploited to deepen them.
Trump’s attempts to politicize Arlington National Cemetery also stand in stark contrast to the behavior of true leaders who understand the gravity of such a place. Presidents of both parties have visited Arlington to pay their respects, to lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and to reflect on the sacrifices made by our service members. These moments have been marked by humility, solemnity, and a deep respect for the fallen. They have not been used as opportunities for political point-scoring or personal aggrandizement.
In attacking the records of President Biden and Vice President Harris at Arlington, Trump not only disrespected the office of the presidency but also the memory of every soldier buried there. This is not just a political misstep; it is a moral failure. It is a failure to recognize Arlington National Cemetary's sanctity and honor the sacrifices made by those who have given everything for this country.
As Americans, we must reject this kind of behavior. We must demand that our leaders treat Arlington National Cemetery — and the memory of those who rest there — with the respect and reverence they deserve. The men and women buried at Arlington did not die for political parties or campaigns. They died for the United States of America, and their memory should be cherished, not exploited.
In the end, the sacred ground of Arlington National Cemetery stands as a testament to our nation's highest ideals. It is a place of honor where the sacrifices of our heroes are remembered with dignity. To use it for political gain is to desecrate their memory and diminish the very principles they died to protect. Let us honor their memory by holding our leaders to a higher standard, one that recognizes the sanctity of their sacrifice and the true meaning of service to our country.
Estrada was the 15th Sergeant Major of the United States Marine Corps and served 34 years in the Marine Corps. He also served as U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago.
