In a series of videos posted on Truth Social by former President Donald Trump, parents of US service members who lost their lives in the Abbey Gate bombing expressed their support for Trump and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden.
The videos were released amidst controversy surrounding Trump's recent visit to Arlington National Cemetery to honor the 13 service members who died in the Kabul airport bombing in 2021. The Army reprimanded Trump's campaign for using footage from the visit, which was deemed as a violation of rules prohibiting political activities on the sacred grounds.
Vice President Harris responded to Trump's actions by accusing him of self-serving behavior and emphasizing the importance of honoring veterans and their families with respect and gratitude.
Jaclyn Schmitz, the mother of Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, criticized Harris in her video, attributing her statement to political motives and holding her administration accountable for the tragedy. Darin Hoover, the father of Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, defended Trump's visit to Arlington National Cemetery, highlighting the solemnity and respect shown during the event.
Coral Doolittle, the mother of Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, expressed disappointment in Harris and Biden for not acknowledging the fallen service members by name and characterizing the Afghanistan withdrawal as a success despite the families' grief and sense of dishonor.
The videos have sparked a debate over the handling of military tragedies and the role of political figures in honoring the sacrifices of service members. The differing perspectives reflect the complex emotions and political tensions surrounding national security and military operations.
