Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery saw President Donald Trump delivering a speech that wove traditional tributes to fallen heroes with partisan political commentary and personal boasting. The ceremonial event included Trump laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier alongside Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Trump’s address acknowledged military sacrifice with prepared remarks about battlefield courage and national gratitude, stating that the valor of fallen soldiers “gave us the freest, greatest and most noble republic ever to exist.” However, he quickly pivoted to suggest he was currently repairing the nation after “a long and hard four years” and made critical references to immigration policies.
The president’s remarks raised eyebrows when he compared the upcoming Army’s 250th anniversary to international sporting events, claiming it would “blow away” both the World Cup and Olympics scheduled during his term. Trump concluded his day by pardoning Scott Jenkins, a former Virginia sheriff convicted of conspiracy, fraud, and bribery in December 2024, further highlighting the mixture of ceremonial and political activities on the solemn holiday.