Former President Donald Trump‘s recent visit to Arlington National Cemetery has drawn fierce criticism from a retired U.S. Navy veteran, who denounced the controversial figure as a “treasonous traitor” and questioned the decision to allow him on the hallowed grounds.
Brad Berkwitt, host of The ‘Bad’ Brad Berkwitt Show and a Navy veteran who served for over two decades, took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to express his outrage. In a video message filled with explicit language, Berkwitt voiced his anger over Trump’s presence at the cemetery.
“As a veteran who gave 20 years and 28 days of his life, I AM BEYOND PISSED!” Berkwitt wrote on X. “Who in the f****** hell allowed Trump to lay a wreath today at Arlington Cemetery that is shitting on my brothers and sisters who served their country, something this rotten bastard never did?”
In his video message, Berkwitt elaborated on his frustration, stating, “As a veteran, who served for 20 years 28 days, during Desert Shield, Desert Storm, the Gulf War, In the Iraq War and retired honorably. I have upheld my oath every day since September 30, 2006, my retirement day. But on this day, a f****** treasonous traitor who tried to overthrow the government on January 6th, 2021. A convicted felon, an adjudicated rapist, liable for fraud, degenerate misogynistic pig, lying grifter who pushes bibles. They’re now pushing books about b******* and were allowed to go to Arlington National Cemetery on this special day. What the f***? And who in the f*** allowed this m*********** to do that s*** and defecate on our fallen soldiers that are buried there.”
Berkwitt continued his impassioned critique, saying, “You f****** MAGA m************ veterans. They’re okay with this treasonous traitor. As I said, you all f****** service means nothing because the oath that I took and the f****** oath that you took you s****** on. But I wanna know who the f*** allowed this m*********** to go today and later this week for a f******* photo op. At the expense of our fallen brothers and sisters. You’re f****** right. I’m pissed off. This m************ has no f****** load. F*** every single m************ that walks this f****** planet that supports this rotten m************.”
Some veteran accounts on X also chimed in with criticism of Trump attending the ceremony at the historic cemetery.
Berkwitt’s outburst highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Trump’s legacy, particularly in light of the events of January 6, 2021, and subsequent legal challenges. The former president was ordered to pay columnist E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million in January for comments he made after she first publicly accused him of raping her in the dressing room of a luxury department store in New York City. That came after a separate jury in May last year awarded Carroll $5 million after finding Trump liable for sexual assault and defamation.
Newsweek contacted Trump’s campaign via email on Monday for comment.
Trump’s appearance at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, marking the third anniversary of a terrorist attack during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The August 26, 2021, incident at Abbey Gate outside Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
The Trump campaign also used the occasion to criticize Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, linking her to what they termed the “chaotic retreat from Afghanistan.” In a statement, the campaign asserted, “Kamala Harris failed our soldiers and their families. President Trump never will.”
Trump himself commented on the anniversary on Truth Social, saying, “This is the third anniversary of the BOTCHED Afghanistan withdrawal, the most EMBARRASSING moment in the history of our Country. Gross Incompetence. Kamala’s and Biden’s incompetence left 13 dead warriors, hundreds of civilians killed and grievously wounded.”
Vice President Harris and President Biden released statements about the anniversary and the fallen soldiers. Harris’ statement praised the 13 service members who lost their lives as “devoted patriots” representing “the best of America,” while also defending Biden’s decision to withdraw from Afghanistan.
Trump’s relationship with the military has been complex and often contentious. His past comments questioning the heroism of former Vietnam POW John McCain, suggestions that the Presidential Medal of Freedom surpasses the military Medal of Honor in prestige, and accusations of “stolen valor” against Tim Walz, who served 24 years in the Army National Guard, have drawn criticism from many in the veteran community.
As the 2024 presidential race intensifies, the treatment and perception of veterans and military affairs are likely to remain central issues.
