Judge Rules For Disclosure Of Army Files On Trump’s Cemetery Visit

image of American flags adorning gravestones

A federal judge demands the release of Army records on Trump’s 2023 Arlington Cemetery visit, stirring questions about the legality of filming on sacred grounds.

At a Glance

Judge ordered Army to release records of Trump’s Arlington visit by October 25, 2024.
The visit involved a ceremony marking the Kabul airport attack anniversary, but controversy arose over filming.
American Oversight requested FOIA records to clarify the incident.
Trump denies wrongdoing amid accusations of politicizing the event.

Judge’s Order

A federal judge instructed the U.S. Army to provide records related to former President Donald Trump’s visit to Arlington National Cemetery. The call came after reports of a confrontation between a cemetery official and a Trump staffer over prohibited filming. U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman approved making these records available by October 25, 2024.

The Freedom of Information Act request, filed by American Oversight, aims to achieve clarity regarding guidelines for political activities within the cemetery. The court’s demand includes responsive, non-exempt records.

Breaking now: Federal judge orders Army to release records on Trump’s controversial Arlington cemetery visit in August. https://t.co/QgQGQfPYjS

— Leo Shane III (@LeoShane) October 22, 2024

Ceremony and Controversy

At the event, Trump laid a wreath to commemorate the third anniversary of the Kabul airport attack, which killed 13 U.S. troops. However, opposition arose due to alleged political activities captured on video in section 60, where filming is not allowed.

“Defendants shall produce responsive, non-exempt records on or before October 25, 2024,” said U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman in his order.

Opponents, including Vice President Kamala Harris and veterans’ groups, criticized the actions. Trump rejected any allegations of using the event for political gain, claiming he was invited by the families of the deceased service members.

A federal judge has ordered Army officials to release all records pertaining to Donald Trump's visit to Arlington National Cemetery during the summer. https://t.co/rupArARlbY pic.twitter.com/IHISRnzUCH

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) October 23, 2024

FOIA Request and Public Interest

American Oversight’s request seeks incident reports and documentation on political rule enforcement at the cemetery. Initially divisive, the FOIA request had no response, prompting court intervention. The judge recognized substantial public interest in the report’s swift release.

“With the election just two weeks away, the American people have a clear and compelling interest in knowing how the government responded to an alleged incident involving a major presidential candidate who has a history of politicizing the military,” said Chioma Chukwu American Oversight’s interim executive director.

Controversy intensified as some Democrats demanded more transparency, suggesting that the visit criticized how the Biden administration handled the Afghan withdrawal. Although the Army highlighted its non-partisan stance, officials had options for further action limited.