Donald Trump's Memorial Day address at Arlington National Cemetery has drawn criticism in the UK for mixing partisan attacks and personal boasting with tributes to fallen soldiers. The US president laid a wreath and honoured military sacrifices, but also veered into rally-style remarks, including anti-immigration statements and self-praise.
Trump said of those killed in service: 'That valor gave us the freest, greatest and most noble republic ever to exist on the face of the earth.' He then added: 'A republic that I am fixing after a long and hard four years.' He also criticised undocumented immigrants, saying: 'People pouring through our borders unchecked.'
At the ceremony, Trump promoted the US army's 250th anniversary, claiming it 'blows everything away, including the World Cup and including the Olympics'. He also suggested he was glad he missed a consecutive second term, as it allowed him to be president for these events. Additionally, Trump announced he is considering taking $3bn in grant money from Harvard University and giving it to trade schools.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who spoke at the event, made no reference to women in his remarks, consistent with his opposition to diversity efforts in the military. Vice-President JD Vance noted the cemetery is the 'eternal resting spot for our nation's sons and daughters'. Trump later pardoned former Virginia sheriff Scott Jenkins, convicted of conspiracy, fraud and bribery.
