The Trump campaign released a powerful ad Sunday featuring Gold Star families who lost loved ones in the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal under President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, accusing the Biden-Harris administration of ignoring them and letting the world know that former President Donald Trump was there for them.
The video begins with the words “Messages from Gold Star Families” displayed on the screen. The video features several members of Gold Star families speaking about loved ones who lost their lives in the tragic Afghanistan withdrawal.
WATCH — Gabbard: President Trump grieved with families in Arlington, it was a 'solemn, solemn memorial':
“Our children were killed because of your administration,” said Christy Shamblin, stepmother of Sergeant Nicole L. Gee.
“We have 13 families who have been waiting over three years just to get a phone call, just to have their children's names called out loud,” said Mark Schmitz, father of Marine Corporal Jared Schmitz.
In the video, the families question the actions of the Biden-Harris administration, asking, “Where were you and Joe Biden on August 26th, 2024? Nowhere near Arlington Cemetery. You didn't even bother to be with us or even say our children's names, as you have done for the past three years.”
Gold Star families presented the facts honestly, explaining that Trump was there for them and took the time to listen to their loved ones.
“President Trump was there for us. He had our backs. He showed us his compassion and he showed he really cares about families who really know what the ultimate sacrifice is,” said Jim McCollum, father of Marine Corporal Riley McCollum.
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message Kamala Harris From the Gold Star Family pic.twitter.com/MhekPluKTA
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 1, 2024
The montage comes after Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday insulted these Gold Star families, essentially claiming that former President Donald Trump, who accepted their invitation to visit Arlington National Cemetery and honor their loved ones, had used them as political props.
As Vice President, I had the opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery several times. It is a solemn place, a place where we come together to honor American heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
It is not the place for politics.
and…
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 31, 2024
Gold Star families responded in a statement, slamming Harris for spreading these blatant falsehoods.
“As families of the brave servicemen and women tragically killed in the Abbey Gate bombing, we are appalled by Vice President Kamala Harris' recent attempt to politicize President Trump's visit to Arlington National Cemetery,” they wrote.
“President Trump was invited by our Gold Star families to attend a solemn ceremony marking three years since the deaths of our children. He was there to honor their sacrifice, yet VP Harris exploited this sacred moment for political tactics,” they continued.
“I want to thank the families of our great fallen warriors for coming together as one and for attending, at their request, a celebration of their amazing family members who are no longer with us due to the incompetence of Kamala Harris and Joe Biden,” Trump wrote on social media, adding:
Thank you for asking me to stand with you and take a picture with you at the Arlington National Ceremony. It was your request, not mine, but it was such an honor to do so. I will never forget it! Lightweight Vice President Kamala Harris tried to turn the situation around because they weren't there, haven't spoken to the families, and have no intention of doing so. In Afghanistan, we don't take out our soldiers first, we take them out last. This is the basis of the military, the most basic thing. And the “leaders” of that disaster should be fired immediately. There is a fool in the White House and they are now trying to solve the Israeli hostage crisis. Guess what will happen?
Read the full statement below:
I want to thank the families of our great warriors who have left us for standing together as one and for attending, at their request, the celebration of their amazing family members who have been lost because of the incompetence of Kamala Harris and Joe Biden. pic.twitter.com/ewkbVniBC0
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 1, 2024
WATCH — Afghanistan Gold Star Mother Tells Harris: 'You Have the Same Responsibility as President Biden'
