At Arlington, Trump hijacks veterans speech to make case for Iran war and 250-foot arch
Iran war claims at ceremony
Speaking to veterans and their families at Arlington National Cemetery, Trump argued that Iran had been waging war against the United States since 1979. He said the United States had fought back and won, while emphasizing that he wanted a “total victory,” not a 93 percent one.
Trump said U.S. operations against Iran began seven months earlier, with only a few weeks of active fighting. He cited 18 U.S. military deaths following American strikes that began on February 28, and said it would take Iran 25 years to rebuild what had been destroyed. He added that he hoped no more of the country would have to be destroyed.
Veteran recalled from Beirut attack
Trump introduced Dale Garner, a Marine veteran who survived the 1983 bombing of barracks in Beirut by Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants. The attack killed 241 American service members. Trump described Garner’s collapsed lung, broken back and burns before asking him to stand. He called Garner a reminder of why the mission mattered, then remarked on his appearance.
Venezuela and planned arch
Trump compared the Iran conflict with the U.S. operation in Venezuela that removed Nicolas Maduro in January. He said that operation was won “in 48 minutes” and touted U.S. access to Venezuelan oil, describing the outcome as spoils belonging to the victor.
He also said a “magnificent triumphal arch” would be dedicated to veterans, adding that they had been waiting for it for 200 years. Earlier, he warned against what he called “bad, foolish, horrible ideology” that could harm the country.
Key points
- Trump said the United States had won the war with Iran but still sought a total victory.
- He said U.S. operations began seven months ago and cited 18 American military deaths.
- Dale Garner, a survivor of the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, was introduced at the ceremony.
- Trump announced a planned triumphal arch honoring veterans and said they had waited 200 years.