Trump tries to clean up mess from possibly illegal cemetery photo op

Donald Trump tried to clean up the mess after his widely criticized visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where two of his staffers allegedly engaged in an altercation with an official trying to enforce rules against photographing gravesites.

The former president and Republican nominee posed for photos and videos alongside the families of two service members killed in an August 2021 bombing attack, and many critics questioned why Trump posed with a grin plastered on his face and his customary thumbs-up gesture. A spokesperson for the cemetery said two campaign staffers engaged in a verbal and physical altercation with an official there.

“We can confirm there was an incident, and a report was filed,” the cemetery spokesperson said.

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Trump's campaign spokesman Stephen Cheung flatly denied the physical confrontation allegation, saying his team was prepared to release footage to refute the "defamatory claims," and Trump late Tuesday night posted a statement signed by Hoover's parent's and some of Gee's family members expressing their gratitude for the graveside visit.

"We would like to express our heartfelt thoughts and appreciation to president Donald J. Trump for his presence at the recent Section 60 gathering, honoring our children and their fallen brothers and sisters," read the statement. "On the three-year anniversary of the Abbey Gate bombing, the president and his team conducted themselves with nothing but the utmost respect and dignity for all of our service members, especially our beloved children."

A source with knowledge of the incident said the official tried to enforce a federal law prohibiting political campaigns or election-related activities within Army National Military Cemeteries, which Cheung insisted was an individual experiencing a "mental health episode."

"We had given our approval for President Trump's official videographer and photographer to attend the event, ensuring these sacred moments of remembrance were respectfully captured and so we can cherish these memories forever," the families' new statement added. "We are deeply grateful to the president for taking the time to honor our children and for standing alongside us in our grief, offering his unwavering support during such a difficult time. His compassion and respect meant more than words can express."