Donald Trump Should Never Return as Commander-in-Chief

Donald Trump disrespects the sacrifices of our fallen heroes: I have spent my life upholding the Core Values of honor, courage, and commitment, principles that form the foundation of our military service. Together with these Core Values is the basic principle of respect for others, learned from my parents as a child and ingrained in me at every step of my military development – from the Naval Academy to the U.S. Marine Corps.  Arlington National Cemetery, where so many of our brothers and sisters in arms lie in eternal rest, embodies these values and principles. It is a sacred place, hallowed by the sacrifices of men and women who gave their lives in defense of our nation. Politics should never intrude here; the focus must remain solely on honoring the fallen. Yet, former President Donald Trump recently used this sacred site to advance his political ambitions—a decision that deserves unequivocal condemnation.

Donald Trump’s visit to Arlington was not about paying homage to the fallen. Instead, he used the cemetery, particularly Section 60—where political campaign photography is strictly prohibited—to promote his political agenda. Section 60, reserved largely for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, is a place of solemn reflection, where the cost of liberty is made painfully clear in the endless rows of white headstones. For Trump to use this sacred ground to launch partisan attacks is an affront to everything Arlington stands for. It betrays the respect owed to the fallen and is a disgraceful misuse of a place that should be above politics.

Before the event, Trump’s campaign was explicitly warned not to take photographs or videos at the cemetery. Yet, in flagrant violation of the law, they proceeded to do so anyway, posting the footage on social media. This blatant disregard for the rules underscores a deeper issue—a fundamental disrespect for the sanctity of Arlington and the sacrifices of those who rest there.

The family of Master Sgt. Andrew Marckesano, a revered Green Beret who served six tours in Afghanistan and other combat missions, expressed deep concern about the unauthorized videos and photos taken near his grave in Section 60. Marckesano, a Silver Star recipient, was known for his fierce loyalty to his comrades and his country. His family did not grant permission for the filming, making Trump’s actions not only disrespectful but also a violation of federal law. The Marckesano family’s concerns highlight the profound pain caused by turning their loved one’s resting place into a political backdrop.

Making this incident even more egregious was the behavior of Trump’s aides, who insulted a cemetery employee attempting to enforce the rules against filming in restricted areas. The employee, whose job is to ensure that Arlington remains a place of honor and respect, was verbally abused and defamed by Trump campaign officials, Mr. Cheung and Chris LaCivita.  Mr. Cheung callously claimed the employee was “suffering from a mental health episode,” while Mr. LaCivita labeled her a “despicable individual” who “does not deserve to represent the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.” This public humiliation of an employee simply doing her job reflects a broader issue—a fundamental disregard for the traditions and values that have long been the cornerstone of American military service.

This incident is part of a troubling pattern of behavior by Trump that reveals his deep misunderstanding—or worse, his indifference—toward the sanctity of service and sacrifice. This was painfully clear when Trump was photographed smiling and giving a thumbs-up while standing on the graves of fallen soldiers. The Marckesano family was particularly disturbed by the use of their loved one’s gravesite as a backdrop for a photo-op, which they neither gave permission nor endorsed. Such actions are not just offensive—they are a betrayal of the respect that should be afforded to every hero buried at Arlington.

Arlington National Cemetery is not a stage for political performance. It is a place where the sacrifices of our fallen heroes are honored with the dignity they deserve. The decision to politicize this sacred ground is nothing short of desecration. The men and women who rest at Arlington fought for ideals far greater than any political campaign. Their sacrifices should remind us of the common values that bind us together as a nation, not be used to deepen the divisions that tear us apart.

Presidents from both parties have visited Arlington to pay their respects, laying wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and reflecting on the sacrifices of our service members. These visits have always been marked by humility, solemnity, and a deep respect for the fallen. They have not been used as opportunities for political gain or personal advancement. Trump’s actions at Arlington stand in stark contrast to this tradition, highlighting a failure to grasp the sacred nature of the site and the profound responsibility that comes with leadership.

America cannot afford to allow Donald Trump to return as Commander-in-Chief. His actions demonstrate a profound lack of respect for the very men and women he would once again lead. A leader who uses the graves of our heroes as a backdrop for self-promotion is not fit to command those who sacrifice everything for our nation. The sanctity of our military and the honor of our fallen demand a leader who respects, not exploits, their sacrifices.

We must reject any possibility of Trump’s return to the presidency for the sake of our military, our values, and the very soul of our nation.

About the Author:

Major General Charles F. Bolden Jr., USMC (Ret.) is a former four-time Space Shuttle astronaut and the first Black NASA Administrator, serving during President Obama’s administration. He also served his country through the United States Marine Corps, retiring as a major general.