The recent anniversary commemoration of the Abbey Gate attack at Arlington National Cemetery has really brought a lot of controversies and debates over the presence of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Amidst growing political momentum into the 2024 elections, the White House spared time to address the conditions surrounding those speaking invitations associated with the solemn event.
Abbey Gate attack background
The Abbey Gate attack was part of the disastrous withdrawal of the U.S. from Afghanistan in August 2021, which left 13 service members dead. This incident has come into sharp political focus, especially because the families of the departed urge acknowledgment and attention. A recent memorial ceremony sought to remember those whose lives were lost, present an opportunity to grieve for the Gold Star families, and remember their loved ones.
Invitations and claims
Following the memorial service, GOP Senator Tom Cotton and former Representative Tulsi Gabbard insisted that Biden and Harris were invited to the ceremony alongside former President Donald Trump. Cotton also said Gold Star families had invited both the president and vice president but scolded their absence as a dereliction of duties in favor of playing golf.
Cotton added a revealing comment that Biden was “at the beach” while Harris was “at her mansion” during the memorial. Gabbard seconded the sentiments stating on CNN that she heard Biden and Harris were invited but did not show up or respond to an invitation.
White House denial
The White House immediately pushed back on that, saying neither Biden nor Harris was invited to the memorial service. A White House official and an aide to Harris said Gold Star families did not invite the president or vice president to the event. This was a pointing-out that the claim being put forward by Cotton and Gabbard was not valid.
John Kirby, National Security Communications Adviser, spoke on the matter, too, to drive home how leaders can well pay respects to fallen service members in many ways without necessarily paying respect in high-profile events. He said that continued support for the families of those who have lost loved ones often means more than public appearances.
Trump’s controversy visit
Attention regarding Biden and Harris has not all fallen on them, though. Trump himself paid a visit to Arlington National Cemetery and fell under scrutiny also. Trump visited the cemetery to lay wreaths as well as to meet Gold Star families, a noble act for sure, but one for which he drew criticism for taking photos in areas where such acts are generally not allowed. The U.S. Army did confirm that political activities, which include photography for campaign purposes, are forbidden on military cemeteries.
Trump explained his actions, including telling people that one family of a Gold Star asked him for a photo at their loved one’s grave. He added that he did not stage the photo opportunity. His campaign released footage from his visit, which critics in recent days have characterized as an attempt to politicize the memorial.
Political consequences
Such was the aftermath of the memorial service and the controversy that surrounded it, having high implications for the next election. As both parties head into the final stretch of campaigning, the Abbey Gate attack and the responses by Biden, Harris, and Trump may shape voter perceptions more than ever.
Gold Star families took to social media, decrying the politicization of their grief as some claimed that Trump’s presence was a respectful acknowledgment of their losses, while others criticized Harris for allegedly exploiting the event for political gain. It has brought forth the extent of the tension in the air between the families and the political figures involved, showcasing the complexities associated with managing grief within a highly charged political environment.
