Jimmy McCain, son of the late Senator John McCain, has spoken out for the first time about former President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Arlington National Cemetery. In an exclusive interview, McCain described Trump’s appearance at the hallowed grounds as a “violation,” particularly because it involved filming a political campaign video. Arlington, which holds the graves of many American soldiers, including generations of McCain’s family, became a controversial backdrop when Trump used the site during his campaign.
A Personal Connection To Arlington
Arlington National Cemetery holds a significant place for Jimmy McCain, whose father, grandfather, and great-grandfather are all buried there. McCain, an active-duty intelligence officer in the U.S. Army, expressed his shock at the campaign event, highlighting that the graves of fallen soldiers should not serve as a stage for political messaging. “It just blows me away,” he told reporters. “These men and women laying in the ground there have no choice of whether to be a backdrop for a political campaign.”
For McCain, the cemetery is a place of honor, reserved for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. He was particularly disturbed by the fact that, after returning from a seven-month deployment, he saw the images of Trump standing in front of gravestones. McCain’s connection to Arlington runs deep, and the event prompted him to break his silence.
McCain’s Broader Shift Away From The GOP
McCain’s decision to speak out comes as part of a larger political shift. Having served in the military for 17 years, he had long avoided becoming embroiled in political discussions. However, Trump’s actions at Arlington were a tipping point. McCain, who had already changed his voter registration to Democrat a few weeks ago, plans to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. This represents a significant departure from his family’s traditional conservative roots.
While other members of the McCain family, such as his mother Cindy McCain and sister Meghan McCain, have distanced themselves from Trump, Jimmy McCain is the first to publicly leave the Republican Party. His political transformation underscores his frustration with Trump’s behavior and the ongoing rift between the former president and the McCain family.
Disrespect For The Fallen
For Jimmy McCain, Trump’s actions at Arlington epitomized a lack of respect for those who have served the country. The former president’s campaign filmed the visit, and despite objections from cemetery staff, footage of the event was published on social media. McCain, who enlisted in the Marine Corps at 17, was particularly upset by what he saw as Trump’s disregard for the sanctity of the site.
“This isn’t about you,” McCain said, referring to Trump. “It’s about these people who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the name of their country.” McCain believes that Trump’s lack of military experience contributes to his insensitivity toward veterans and military personnel. “These men and women chose to do something greater than themselves,” McCain added, contrasting the selfless service of the military with Trump’s actions.
The Legacy Of John McCain
John McCain, a war hero and long-time senator, was captured during the Vietnam War and endured years of brutal treatment as a prisoner of war. His legacy as a patriot and public servant stands in stark contrast to Trump’s attacks on his character. Trump famously mocked McCain, stating that he preferred “people who weren’t captured,” a remark that deeply hurt the McCain family.
However, Jimmy McCain remained silent during much of the political fallout between Trump and his father. For him, attacking a public figure like his father was not unexpected, as John McCain had chosen a life of public service. Yet the use of Arlington Cemetery in Trump’s campaign was a step too far. “For me, it’s personal,” McCain explained. “He [John McCain] wasn’t just a public figure. He was my father, the man who raised me, and the person who loved me.”
Trump’s Continued Controversies At Arlington
This is not the first time Trump has faced criticism over his behavior at Arlington National Cemetery. During his recent visit, Trump participated in a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the 13 U.S. service members who died in Afghanistan in 2021. His campaign filmed the event, leading to conflict with cemetery staff, who attempted to stop the team from capturing footage in restricted areas.
Despite the warnings, Trump’s campaign proceeded to publish the footage, which included gravestones of service members unrelated to the event. Some of these families did not give permission for the graves to be filmed, adding to the backlash. One campaign manager dismissed the complaints, calling the incident “100% a manufactured story.”
Jimmy McCain hopes his decision to speak out will encourage others to stand up for what is right, especially when it comes to honoring the country’s military. “It was a violation,” McCain said of Trump’s Arlington visit. “I want people to see that and understand why it’s wrong.”
As he moves further into the political sphere, McCain emphasizes that his views are his own and do not represent the U.S. Army. However, his commitment to preserving the honor of those who served remains strong, and his criticism of Trump’s actions reflects his deep sense of duty to his family’s legacy and the country they served.
