White House official states that families of service members killed during Afghanistan withdrawal did not invite Biden and Harris to Arlington cemetery

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were not invited by Gold Star families to commemorate the third anniversary of the attack at Abbey Gate at Arlington National Cemetery last week. This contradicts claims made by GOP Sen. Tom Cotton and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said former President Donald Trump’s visit to the cemetery was a “personal invitation by families.” The U.S. Army also accused a member of Trump’s campaign staff of inappropriate behavior at the cemetery. Cotton claimed that some Gold Star families invited Trump but also invited Biden and Harris, who did not attend. Trump defended the photos taken at the cemetery, stating that he was asked by a Gold Star family to take them. Trump’s campaign posted videos of the ceremony and family members praising Trump. The Gold Star families released a statement criticizing Harris for politicizing Trump’s visit. Harris had accused Trump of disrespecting sacred ground during his visit. Overall, there is a dispute regarding who was invited to the ceremony and whether Trump’s actions at the cemetery were appropriate.

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