Jimmy McCain, son of the late Republican Senator John McCain, is speaking out against Donald Trump following a reported shoving incident at Arlington National Cemetery. McCain, who serves as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, expressed outrage over the event, describing it as a “violation” of the solemn space where three generations of his family are buried.
The incident reportedly occurred last week when a member of Trump’s team “abruptly pushed aside” an Arlington cemetery official to allow Trump’s campaign staff to take photos in a restricted area. The Army confirmed the incident, which has sparked criticism over the lack of respect shown during the visit.
In an interview with CNN, McCain emphasized the personal significance of Arlington, explaining how his family’s connection to the cemetery runs deep. “This place is sacred to us,” McCain stated. “What happened was a violation of everything Arlington stands for.”
The incident has led McCain to distance himself further from the Republican Party. He revealed that he has officially registered as a Democrat and plans to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. This marks a significant shift for McCain, whose late father was a prominent figure in the GOP and a frequent critic of Trump.
The incident is the latest flashpoint in the long-standing tension between Trump and the McCain family, which dates back to Trump’s disparaging comments about Senator McCain’s military service during the 2016 campaign.
As the story continues to gain traction, McCain’s public rebuke is likely to reignite discussions around Trump’s behavior, particularly toward military institutions and traditions.