Donald Trump is embarrassed that his Arlington photo op story isn't going away, which is why he's doubled down and is currently blaming the family who invited him for the controversy.
Other Gold Star families have voiced their own complaints regarding the incident where a still-unidentified member of Trump's staff physically pushed a female employee aside.
While Trump's staff and cult base continue to support the narrative that Trump was invited by a Gold Star family to commemorate the deaths of 13 Americans who lost their lives at Abbey Gate, the official response from the White House focuses on the lack of respect for America's fallen heroes from Team Trump.
The Vice President, who is currently leading Trump in the polls by over six points, cited reports that his campaign aides "created an altercation with a cemetery staffer" and proceeded to take photographs and video footage, including at the graves of Afghanistan war veterans, after being warned about rules at the site.
“Let me be clear: [Trump] disrespected sacred ground, all for the sake of a political stunt,” VP Harris said, calling Arlington a “solemn place where we come together to honor American heroes ... not a place for politics.”
Trump's campaign was warned about not taking photographs before an altercation at the cemetery, according to defense officials. But rather than simply apologizing, the Trump campaign has since lashed out at Pentagon officials, with a top campaign adviser, Chris LaCivita, referring to military spokespersons as “hacks.” Trump campaign officials say it had permission to bring someone to take video, but the rules of the cemetery negate any personal invitations.