Gold Star families, who lost loved ones during the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal, have strongly criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for her recent attack on former President Donald Trump following his visit to Arlington National Cemetery. Harris, true to her political form, accused Trump of exploiting his visit to the cemetery for political gain. However, the families of the 13 U.S. service members who were killed during the chaotic pullout were quick to push back, making it clear that it was they who invited Trump to Arlington, not the other way around.
In a series of poignant videos posted on Trump’s Instagram account, eight families expressed their outrage at the Biden-Harris administration and defended Trump’s actions. The videos highlight the bitterness these families feel toward an administration they see as responsible for the botched withdrawal that claimed the lives of their loved ones on August 26, 2021.
Earlier, Harris had criticized Trump for taking photographs and videos during the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington, claiming that Trump’s team had disrespected “sacred ground” for the sake of a political stunt. According to Harris, the cemetery official who tried to remind Trump’s team of the rules was “abruptly pushed aside,” which she used as a springboard to accuse Trump of politicizing a solemn event.
But the Gold Star families quickly debunked Harris’s narrative. They explained that it was their request, not Trump’s campaign ploy, to capture the moment. Mark Schmitz, the father of Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, didn’t mince words, calling Harris’s comments “heinous, vile, and disgusting.” He made it clear that the families were not seeking to boost Trump’s political fortunes but were looking for a leader, a concept that, according to him, explains why neither Harris nor Biden got a call from them.
Darren Hoover, father of Marine Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, further emphasized that Harris’s criticism showed her lack of “empathy and basic understanding” of what the event represented. He defended Trump’s appearance as one of respect and reverence, stressing that the families had specifically asked for the photos and videos at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Hoover also didn’t hold back in his criticism of Harris, accusing her of being in politics solely for “power and prestige” rather than caring for the military or the American people.
The families’ messages are a stark reminder of the deep-seated anger and frustration felt by those directly impacted by the Afghanistan withdrawal, and they leave little doubt as to where they stand on the current administration’s handling of the situation.
