President Donald Trump wore a baseball cap on Saturday when attending the dignified transfer for the six US soldiers killed during the Iran conflict. His action was seen as a lack of respect for many and drew ire online. Visuals quickly went viral and garnered a host of reactions.
Trump slammed for wearing baseball cap
A video of Trump in the baseball cap was shared online and a person wrote “Trump looks absurd wearing that white baseball cap during the transfer of the fallen U.S. soldiers.”
Another person added “Trump showed no respect. Baseball cap on and no bowed head.”
Yet another person said “Trump couldn’t be bothered to take off his baseball cap, what a loser.” A person shared a post from Trump on Truth Social and added “Trump, wearing an entirely inappropriate baseball cap, dragged himself away from the solemn airbase ceremony marking the return of six members of the military killed on day one of his war, to write this. Predictable and graceless in equal measure.”
{{/usCountry}}Yet another person said “Trump couldn’t be bothered to take off his baseball cap, what a loser.” A person shared a post from Trump on Truth Social and added “Trump, wearing an entirely inappropriate baseball cap, dragged himself away from the solemn airbase ceremony marking the return of six members of the military killed on day one of his war, to write this. Predictable and graceless in equal measure.”
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Many slammed him for actions they did not consider to be ‘dignified’. “Trump was wearing a baseball cap, never removed it, and a blue suit. Very dignified!”.
Removing a hat or a cap is considered to be a traditional gesture of mourning, respect, and reverence. Moreover, the dignified transfer is considered one of the most somber duties of any commander-in-chief. Thus, Trump's choice to keep the hat on throughout the ceremony drew massive ire.
A person slammed the president's actions saying “Trump is one of those people who needs all the attention on himself. That's why he showed up with a baseball cap. He needs to be the center of attention.”
Another shared a photo showing Trump making his salute with First Lady Melania next to him.
“FOLKS — Look at Donald Trump!!!!! What’s up with the baseball cap?,” the person asked.
The 193rd Special Operations Wing (SOW), a unit of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, noted in a 2013 article on military funeral etiquette, “Members should salute as the flag passes by. Former military members not in uniform may salute. However, civilians should not salute. As a sign of respect, civilians should instead remove any head gear and place it over their heart. In the absence of head gear, the customary gesture is to place the right hand over the heart.” This was shared by a retired US Air Force Colonel as well, who critiqued the president's actions.
Trump and Vice President JD Vance were present, along with their spouses. Also present was Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other top officials. Trump later told reporters “It's a very sad day…glad we paid our respects.” He added that the deceased were “great people, great parents, wives, family” saying the “parents were so proud.”
Those killed in action were Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa; Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, lowa, who was posthumously promoted from specialist.
(With AP inputs)