Trump Criticized for Wearing Campaign Hat During Ceremony Honoring Fallen U.S. Soldiers
President Donald Trump is facing criticism after attending the dignified transfer of six U.S. service members killed in the Iran conflict while wearing a campaign-style hat.
The ceremony took place Saturday at Dover Air Force Base, where the bodies of the fallen troops arrived. During the solemn event, six flag-draped coffins were carried from a military aircraft to waiting vehicles as part of the traditional transfer honoring those killed in service.
Trump, 79, stood nearby wearing a white baseball cap embroidered with “USA” on the front and “45–47” on the side, referencing his presidential terms. The hat, which also features an American flag, is sold on Trump’s merchandise website.
The six service members, all assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, were killed by an Iranian strike in Kuwait on March 1. They were identified as Capt. Cody A. Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, Sgt. Declan J. Coady, Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan.
The deaths followed U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran in late February that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, dramatically escalating tensions in the region.
Photos and videos from the transfer quickly sparked outrage online. Critics pointed out that U.S. presidents traditionally remove hats during solemn military ceremonies as a sign of respect.
California Governor Gavin Newsom reacted to footage of the event by writing on social media, “Take your hat off.”
Former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele also criticized the decision, saying the moment called for dignity and respect.
Military etiquette guidelines commonly recommend removing headwear during ceremonies honoring fallen service members. Although a dignified transfer is not a funeral, removing a hat is widely considered a traditional gesture of respect in the United States, similar to removing headwear during the national anthem.
During the ceremony, Trump could be seen saluting as the coffins were moved but also adjusting his jacket and lapel while standing with his head bowed.
Earlier in the week, Trump acknowledged that the conflict could result in American casualties. In an interview, he said, “When you go to war, some people will die.”
Following the transfer ceremony, the president continued posting messages on his social media platform, commenting on the ongoing Middle East conflict and international responses to the war.
Trump had arrived in Delaware from Miami earlier in the day after attending a regional event with Latin American and Caribbean leaders. During that appearance, he warned that Iran would face further military strikes and said the country was “being beat to hell.”
Meanwhile, reports from Iran indicated that additional attacks had struck parts of Tehran. Investigations are also underway into a deadly explosion at a school during the initial phase of the conflict that reportedly killed dozens of civilians.
Asked about those reports aboard Air Force One, Trump denied that U.S. forces were responsible and said Iran was likely to blame. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the incident was still under investigation.
The dignified transfer at Dover marked the first return of U.S. service members killed since the conflict with Iran escalated.
