Biden Criticized Trump in June for Skipping Cemetery Visit, Now Faces Backlash for Missing Arlington Event During Vacation

Biden, who skipped Arlington event for vacation, criticized Trump in June for declining cemetery visit. Explore the political controversy.

Trump Honors Fallen Service Members at Arlington While Biden Remains on Vacation During Afghanistan Bombing Anniversary

 

On the third anniversary of the tragic Abbey Gate bombing during the Afghanistan withdrawal that claimed the lives of 13 U.S. servicemembers, former President Donald Trump participated in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The event, held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, was marked by the presence of several Gold Star families and veterans who had been personally affected by the 2021 attack.

 

Trump’s participation in the ceremony comes as President Joe Biden remained on vacation, with no public remarks or scheduled events to commemorate the anniversary. This absence has drawn criticism, particularly in light of recent comments made by Biden, who took a dig at Trump for canceling a visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France during his presidency. The 2018 trip was reportedly called off due to bad weather, though The Atlantic had speculated it was related to concerns about Trump's hair being affected by the rain—a claim that Trump and his administration have consistently refuted.

 

During his visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in June 2024, Biden posted on X (formerly Twitter), "I was honored to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and pay my respects to those buried there. Those who served our country are heroes—not losers," a comment widely interpreted as a jab at Trump.

 

Monday’s anniversary marks three years since the devastating suicide bombing at Kabul’s Abbey Gate, a stark reminder of the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The bombing not only killed 13 American service members but also more than 100 Afghan civilians. Despite the significance of the date, Biden chose to remain away from the White House, continuing his second vacation of the month.

 

The decision has sparked criticism from various corners. Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.) took to X to express her frustration, stating, "During the anniversary of the Afghanistan withdrawal, amidst an ongoing migrant and economic crisis, President Biden continues to do what he does best – NOTHING!" Similarly, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) commented, "Three years ago, Biden-Harris’s disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal caused the deaths of 13 U.S. service members. President Trump attended the ceremony in their honor at Arlington Cemetery today. Biden is on vacation."

 

Gold Star father Mark Schmitz, whose son was one of the fallen, expressed his disappointment, telling Fox News Digital that he was "not surprised in the least bit that neither one of them [Biden or Harris] would show up for this event."

 

Trump’s presence at Arlington was prompted by a personal invitation from several of the families affected by the bombing. He was joined by Republican vice-presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) and other members of the Trump campaign, underscoring the ongoing political debate surrounding the Afghanistan withdrawal and the handling of its aftermath.

 

The White House did release a statement commemorating the anniversary, in which Biden said, "Three years ago, an ISIS suicide bomber launched an attack of deliberate evil at Abbey Gate outside of Kabul Airport—killing 13 American service members and more than 100 innocent Afghans. Today, and every day, we honor our fallen." However, this statement did little to assuage critics who felt that more was needed to honor the memory of those who had sacrificed their lives.

 

White House National Security Council communications adviser John Kirby addressed the criticism, stating on CNN, "Neither going to Arlington nor any individual paper statement is ever going to be enough to repay these families and to try and make sure they know they are supported." He also noted that Trump’s attendance at Arlington was a result of a personal invitation from the families, emphasizing that it was "certainly a way to recognize the sacrifice and the loss."

 

As the anniversary passes, the contrasting actions of Trump and Biden on this solemn occasion continue to stir debate over the appropriate ways to honor those who serve and sacrifice for the nation.