‘Disgraceful’: Trump Uses Photo of Dead U.S. Troops to Push MAGA Donations
President Donald Trump is facing new backlash after using an image from a military dignified transfer to raise money for his political operation.
The controversy began after Trump attended the dignified transfer of U.S. service members killed during the ongoing conflict with Iran at Dover Air Force Base. During the ceremony, Trump was photographed saluting the flag-draped coffins while wearing a white baseball cap embroidered with “USA” and “45–47,” a hat that is sold on his campaign merchandise website.
Critics had already condemned the moment because presidents traditionally remove hats during military memorial events as a sign of respect. The criticism intensified days later when Trump used a photo from the ceremony in a fundraising email to supporters.
The message invited supporters to join what it described as a “National Security Briefing Membership,” urging recipients to donate money to support the MAGA political agenda. The email included the image of Trump saluting a soldier’s coffin and encouraged supporters to claim one of the “very few spots remaining.”
The fundraising link directed supporters to donate hundreds of dollars, with contribution levels reaching up to $1,000.
The move quickly sparked outrage from political leaders and veterans.
Gavin Newsom criticized the email in a social media post, accusing Trump of exploiting the deaths of American troops for political gain.
Other critics echoed the sentiment. Iraq War veteran and U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego questioned the decision to use the image in campaign fundraising, asking whether anyone in the campaign had considered how it would appear to military families.
Representative Pat Ryan, also a military veteran, accused the president of turning the war into a political fundraising opportunity.
The controversy comes as the human toll from the conflict continues to rise. Since the launch of the U.S. military operation against Iran in late February, at least 13 American service members have been killed and more than 140 injured across the region.
Trump has previously acknowledged that more casualties could occur as the war continues.
In remarks shortly after the first troop deaths were reported, the president said additional losses were possible, noting that casualties are often part of wartime operations.
The administration has also faced criticism for its broader conduct of the conflict and the growing number of civilian casualties reported in Iran.
Despite the backlash, Trump has continued to defend the military campaign and his leadership during the conflict, saying the operation will continue until he believes its objectives have been achieved.
