Tulsi Gabbard Defends Trump's Arlington Appearance, Questions Army's Claims

Former Democrat Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has weighed in on the controversy surrounding former President Trump's appearance at Arlington National Cemetery, defending his campaign against recent criticism. Gabbard, who attended the ceremony alongside Trump, said she did not witness the alleged altercation between campaign staff and a cemetery official at the event. She also questioned the Army's claims that the Trump campaign had been warned about existing bans on photography.

Former Democrat Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has defended former President Trump's appearance at Arlington National Cemetery on Sunday, questioning the Army's claims that the Trump campaign had been warned about existing bans on photography at the event.

Gabbard, who attended the ceremony alongside Trump, said she did not witness the alleged altercation between campaign staff and a cemetery official at the event. The Army released a statement last week saying a cemetery official had been "pushed aside" while attempting to enforce a ban on photography.

Tulsi Gabbard Defends Trump's Arlington Appearance, Questions Army's Claims

During an appearance on CNN's "State of the Union," Gabbard said she was told the Trump campaign had received permission to bring a camera for the occasion.

"I checked with the campaign on this question, and they have exchanges with the officials at Arlington Cemetery. They were approved to bring a camera there to document this historic and momentous day that should not be forgotten by any American," Gabbard told host Dana Bash.

Tulsi Gabbard Defends Trump's Arlington Appearance, Questions Army's Claims

Bash pressed Gabbard on whether she thought the campaign would release the communication she was referring to.

"I thought they already had. I was informed that they had come to an agreement they could bring a camera there. And as far as I know, in the public statements I have seen from the Army is that the matter is closed," Gabbard responded.

Tulsi Gabbard Defends Trump's Arlington Appearance, Questions Army's Claims

However, the Army said in a statement last week that the Trump campaign had been warned about existing bans on photography at the event.

"Participants in the August 26th ceremony and the subsequent Section 60 visit were made aware of federal laws, Army regulations and DoD policies, which clearly prohibit political activities on cemetery grounds. An ANC employee who attempted to ensure adherence to these rules was abruptly pushed aside," the Army said.

The Army said in a statement last week that the Trump campaign had been warned about existing bans on photography at the event. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

"Consistent with the decorum expected at ANC, this employee acted with professionalism and avoided further disruption. The incident was reported to the JBM-HH police department, but the employee subsequently decided not to press charges. Therefore, the Army considers this matter closed," the statement continued.

Trump's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

Gabbard's comments come amid a flurry of criticism directed at Trump for his appearance at Arlington National Cemetery. Some critics have accused Trump of politicizing the event, while others have questioned the wisdom of holding a political rally at a cemetery.

Gabbard defended Trump's appearance at the cemetery, saying it was important for him to visit the graves of fallen soldiers.

"I think it's important for any president to visit Arlington National Cemetery and to pay their respects to the men and women who have served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice," Gabbard said.

She also said she did not believe Trump's appearance at the cemetery was inappropriate.

"I think it's important to remember that Arlington National Cemetery is a place where people of all political persuasions come to pay their respects to our fallen heroes," Gabbard said. "I don't think it's inappropriate for a president to visit Arlington National Cemetery, regardless of their political affiliation."

Gabbard's comments are likely to further fuel the debate over Trump's appearance at Arlington National Cemetery. It remains to be seen whether the Trump campaign will release the communication that Gabbard says they have with the officials at Arlington Cemetery.