Trump at a Memorial Of course. The phrase “Trump at a memorial” typically brings to mind a few specific, highly publicized events that were notable for his conduct and the public reaction. The most prominent example is his visit to the Aisne Marne American Cemetery near Paris in 2018. Here is a breakdown of that key event and other relevant instances.
The Aisne Marne American Cemetery Visit November 2018
- This is the most famous and controversial example, which came to define the phrase “Trump at a memorial.”
- Context: Trump was in France to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.
- The Planned Event: A scheduled visit to the cemetery to honor the American Marines who died in the Battle of Belleau Wood, a pivotal and bloody battle in 1918.
- What Happened: The visit was canceled at the last minute due to, as the White House stated, “bad weather” that made it unsafe for the presidential helicopter (Marine One) to fly.
The Controversy
- Logistical Questions: Reports immediately surfaced that the cancellation was not solely about weather. Other world leaders managed to reach the ceremony by car. The Washington Post reported that Trump was resistant to go, allegedly saying, “Why should I go to that cemetery? It’s filled with losers.”
- The “Losers” Comment: This alleged remark, later confirmed by his then-chief of staff John Kelly, became the center of the firestorm. Referring to fallen American soldiers as “losers” was seen as a profound breach of presidential decorum and respect for the military.
- Contrast with Macron: French President Emmanuel Macron held a solemn, rain-soaked ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe on the same day, which Trump did attend. The visual contrast was stark.
- Aftermath: The event became a powerful symbol for critics who argued that Trump lacked respect for military sacrifice and was unwilling to engage in the somber, reflective rituals that typically define the presidency.
Other Notable Memorial Visits
- While the Aisne-Marne incident is the most defining, other memorial visits were also notable.
- Critics noted his seemingly hurried pace, his umbrella being held by a Marine in the rain while he walked hands-free, and his body language, which they interpreted as impatient or disengaged during the solemn wreath-laying ceremony.
- The 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon: His annual visits were more standard, but his public commentary surrounding them sometimes drew attention. For instance, in 2020, he claimed that Iran-backed militants were the specific perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks (a factually incorrect statement, as the 9/11 Commission found no evidence of this).
- The John McCain Funeral: While not a traditional memorial visit, Senator John McCain’s death and the subsequent funeral services became a major memorial event. Trump was notably not invited, and his very public feud with McCain cast a shadow over the national period of mourning. He was at his Virginia golf course during the funeral service, which many saw as a sign of disrespect.
Common Themes in the Public Discourse
The discussion around “Trump at a memorial” often revolved around a few consistent themes:
- Breach of Norms and Solemnity: His behavior was frequently measured against the traditional, somber, and reverent posture of previous presidents at such events. His actions were often perceived as breaking from this expected decorum.
- The “America First” Lens: Critics argued that he approached these events transactionally, focusing on cost (“Why should I go?”) or viewing sacrifice through a lens of “winners” and “losers” rather than honor and duty.
- A Focus on the Visual: In the media age, a president’s demeanor at a memorial is highly symbolic. Things like an unbuttoned coat, a hurried walk, or a canceled visit became powerful visual fodder for political opponents.
- A Divisive Figure in Moments of Unity: Memorial services are typically moments for national unity. Trump’s presence, given his polarizing nature, often meant the events themselves became politicized and divisive.
The Behavioral and Rhetorical Patterns
- When analyzing Trump’s approach to memorial events, several distinct patterns emerged that consistently generated commentary and controversy.
The Focus on Logistics and Himself as the Central Character
- Traditional memorial rhetoric places the fallen, their families, and the nation at the center. Trump’s comments often reframed the event around his own experience.
- But that’s okay. It’s a great honor.” While a seemingly minor remark, it stood in contrast to leaders who would focus
The Conflation of Military Sacrifice with Political and Personal Grievances
- Trump often used the backdrop of military honor to launch into political talking points.
- At the CIA Memorial Wall (2017): Standing before the stars representing fallen CIA officers, he delivered a speech that quickly veered into his grievances about the media, boasting about the size of his inauguration crowd, and attacking his political opponents. This was seen by many, including intelligence community veterans, as a profound breach of the site’s sanctity.
A Transactional View of Sacrifice
- The alleged “losers” and “suckers” comments (as reported by The Atlantic and later corroborated by aides like John Kelly) point to a worldview that evaluates military service through a lens of personal gain and loss, rather than duty and honor.
- The “Suckers” Comment: The reported remark about fallen soldiers—”Why should I go to that cemetery? It’s filled with losers.”—and his alleged reference to the 1,800 Marines who died at Belleau Wood as “suckers” for getting killed, represents the most extreme example of this pattern. Whether verbatim or reflective of his attitude, these reports fundamentally shaped the narrative around his memorial appearances.
Contrast with Traditional Presidential Behavior
The controversy was amplified because it broke so sharply with established norms. The “President as Mourner-in-Chief” is a well-defined role:
- Trump at a Memorial Solemnity and Restraint: Presidents like Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Ronald Reagan were known for their quiet, reverent demeanor at these events. Their speeches were carefully crafted to focus on the fallen, their stories, and the nation’s collective gratitude.
- Physical Demeanor: A slow, deliberate walk, a bowed head, a hand over the heart, a somber expression—these non-verbal cues are a critical part of the ritual. Trump’s faster pace, shifting posture, and occasional glances away from the ceremony were frequently parsed and criticized.
- Apolitical Rhetoric: The language used at these events is typically unifying and transcendent, designed to rise above partisan politics. Trump’s tendency to insert political combat into these moments was a key departure.
The John McCain Episode A Parallel Memorial Controversy
- The death of Senator John McCain provided another clear case study. Trump’s actions during this period were, in effect, his “memorial behavior” toward a fallen national figure.
- This caused a public outcry, leading to a reversal and the flag being lowered again until his interment.
- He pointedly refused to say McCain’s name for days and only issued a formal written statement after significant pressure.
Summary The Underlying Narrative
The phrase “Trump at a memorial” ultimately became shorthand for a cluster of behaviors that, to his critics, revealed:
- A Lack of Empathy: An inability or unwillingness to perform the public, empathetic mourning required of his office.
- A Rejection of Ritual: A dismissal of the symbolic power and unifying purpose of non-political national rituals.
- A Transactional Worldview: A perspective that sees sacrifice not as noble, but as a failure to “win.”
- A Disruption of Unity: The transformation of moments intended for national unity into yet another front in the culture war.
