Controversy erupted following former US president Donald Trump’s August 26 visit at the Arlington National Cemetery. The US Army released a statement on August 29, confirming that one of the cemetery employees was pushed aside while Trump was there. Recent reports claim that Justin Caporale and Michel Picard, members of Trump’s campaign, were involved in a verbal altercation with this ANC employee before one of them pushed her out of the way. Accordingly, there is considerable public interest in Caporale and Picard.
Here is everything we have learned about Justin Caporale and Michel Picard.
Who are Justin Caporale and Michel Picard?
Justin Caporale and Michel Picard were the two Trump campaign staffers who were involved in the ANC altercation on August 26.
NPR cited “a source with knowledge of the incident” to report that Caporale is reportedly a deputy campaign manager. Meanwhile, Picard is part of Trump’s advance team. Caporale was once an aide to former first lady Melania Trump. He worked under Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis following his departure from the White House.
In addition, Justin Caporale was reportedly the on-site contact and project manager for the January 6, 2021, rally of the Women for America First group. On August 26, Donald Trump attended a wreath-laying ceremony. It was to honor the 13 U.S. soldiers killed in the bombing at Abbey Gate in Afghanistan in 2021.
Friends and family members of the fallen soldiers reportedly invited Trump to Section 60, where the incident in question occurred. His staffers were reportedly aware of the ANC rules that dictated only an official Arlington photographer was allowed to take photos in that part of the cemetery.
Once more citing a “source” with the knowledge of the incident,” NPR reports that Caporale and Picard verbally abused a female employee of the cemetery when she attempted to implement those rules. The news outlet then cites two Pentagon officials to report that Picard was the one who pushed her out of the way.
