Tim Miller Criticizes J.D. Vance’s Defense of Trump’s Arlington Incident as ‘Performance’
Sarah L. Voisin / The Washington Post via Getty Images file
Former Republican operative Tim Miller expressed skepticism about Senator J.D. Vance’s authenticity after Vance criticized a CNN reporter for asking about the reported physical altercation at Arlington National Cemetery. Vance, while addressing the incident, shifted focus from downplaying the story to attacking President Joe Biden’s administration for the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Vance’s remarks came under scrutiny during an MSNBC segment, where host Jose Diaz-Balart highlighted the importance of sticking to a clear message. “Vance told MSNBC he was frustrated when he made those comments,” Diaz-Balart noted. “We’ve often talked about message, sticking to a message, and how to deliver a message.”
Miller, however, was unconvinced by Vance’s explanation. “Yeah, I don’t know that he’s frustrated. I think he was acting,” Miller remarked. “J.D. Vance is very uncomfortable in his own skin. It was clear that was a performance to me.”
Miller condemned the events at Arlington National Cemetery, calling Trump’s actions there “disgraceful.” Trump had staged a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier but then proceeded to Section 60, where the graves of the most recent soldiers are located. Trump’s team took photos and videos at the site, which were later used in his campaign materials. The U.S. Army has described the incident as “despicable” and a violation of the cemetery’s rules told Military Times.
“The Army put out a statement today, which they never do. It’s not up to Donald Trump and the people he’s with to decide if he can video. There are a lot of people who have served our country honorably and who lie on those gravestones,” Miller said. He expressed disappointment not only in Trump but also in Vance for supporting the decision.
Miller suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris might consider addressing the situation by reaching out to the families of those who died at Abbey Gate during the Afghanistan withdrawal, and by sharing her vision for moving forward on foreign policy. This, he implied, would be a more meaningful response to the controversy surrounding Trump’s Arlington visit.
