Arlington, VA — In an event that will surely go down in history as one of the most surreal and controversial moments of the 2024 campaign trail, former President Donald Trump’s attempt to commemorate the third anniversary of the tragic attack in Afghanistan was abruptly interrupted by an unexpected and unprecedented protest. As Trump stood solemnly for a photo opportunity in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, a loud rumbling sound echoed through the cemetery grounds, as if the earth itself was groaning under the weight of the moment.

Eyewitnesses report that the noise was followed by the unmistakable sight of over 400,000 deceased soldiers rolling over in their graves. The simultaneous collective movement of those who had sacrificed their lives for their country sent shockwaves — both literal and metaphorical — through the cemetery, effectively putting an end to what was quickly becoming another Trumpian spectacle.

Trump, ever the showman, was unfazed. “See? They’re all so excited to see me that they’re rolling in their graves!” he quipped, mistaking the supernatural phenomenon for a positive reception. “These soldiers know a winner when they see one. They all would have voted for me, and you’ll be surprised when they do on election day!” he added, alluding to his belief that the support from beyond the grave might just tip the scales in his favor.

The former president’s bravado was momentarily interrupted when two of his campaign staffers got into a heated altercation with an Arlington staffer who was trying to enforce federal law. The staffer, who reminded the Trump team that Section 60 — the burial ground for those who died in Iraq and Afghanistan — was off-limits for campaign activities, was met with hostility. The scuffle, which included both verbal and physical exchanges, only added to the circus-like atmosphere of the occasion.

Trump’s campaign had reportedly planned to capture the moment on film, but federal law strictly prohibits the use of military cemeteries for campaign events. When this fact was pointed out, Trump was said to have remarked, “These laws are made by people who’ve never won an election. Believe me, these soldiers love me, even though some people say they’re suckers. They would’ve given anything to see me here, and now they’re showing their appreciation.”

In the hours following the incident, Trump took to his preferred platform, Truth Social, to spin the event in his favor. “The FAKE NEWS media is going to say these great soldiers rolling in their graves is a BAD thing! But it’s the biggest honor they can give me — proving even in death, they support me! Sad to see the Democrats trying to stop them from voting for me in 2024!” he posted.

Backlash has been swift and severe, with many accusing Trump of using the fallen heroes as props for a political stunt. Veterans groups have condemned the event, calling it “disrespectful” and “a new low.” Some have even pointed out the irony that Trump, who once infamously referred to fallen soldiers as “losers,” would now claim their support.

As Arlington Cemetery staff work to restore calm and dignity to the hallowed grounds, one thing is certain: even the dead can’t escape the theatrics of a Trump campaign. And as for Trump, he’s already planning his next move — perhaps a séance with George Washington, whom he’s confident would’ve endorsed him, too.