Fox News Apologizes for Airing Old Trump Footage at Dignified Transfer Ceremony

Network says staff member inadvertently used archival video, not trying to make president look better.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Fox News apologized for airing old video of a hatless President Donald Trump during coverage of his attendance at the dignified transfer ceremony for U.S. soldiers killed in the Middle East war. The network said a staff member inadvertently pulled up the archival footage, and it was not an attempt to make Trump look better. Some critics accused Fox of trying to portray the president in a more favorable light, but the network insisted it was an honest mistake.

Why it matters

The dignified transfer ceremony is considered one of the most solemn duties of a commander-in-chief, and the use of incorrect footage raised questions about Fox News' motivations and the network's credibility during a politically polarized time.

The details

The return of the bodies of six soldiers killed in the Middle East took place on Saturday at Dover Air Force Base. Fox News said the correct footage was used at other times, including on Saturday, but archival video of Trump at an earlier ceremony was inadvertently pulled up by a staff member and used on two Sunday morning telecasts.

  • The dignified transfer ceremony took place on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • Fox News aired the incorrect footage on two Sunday morning telecasts on March 9, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who attended the dignified transfer ceremony.

Fox News

The news network that apologized for airing old video of Trump at the ceremony.

Mehdi Hasan

The founder of the online site Zeteo who criticized Fox News for the mistake.

Johnny 'Joey' Jones

A veteran and co-host of 'The Big Weekend Show' on Fox News Channel who said he was 'embarrassed and ashamed' that the mistake happened.

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What they’re saying

“We regret the error and apologize for the incorrect footage.”

— Fox News (adn.com)

“If any other network did this it would be a huge scandal, Fox would lead the chorus of criticisms and faux-outrage, and people would lose their jobs.”

— Mehdi Hasan, Founder of Zeteo (adn.com)

“My belief was that this was an honest mistake, but that doesn't make it an acceptable one. Few things are more sacred than our heroes who give their lives in the line of duty.”

— Johnny 'Joey' Jones, Veteran and co-host of 'The Big Weekend Show' on Fox News Channel (adn.com)

What’s next

Fox News has said it will review its procedures to ensure a similar mistake does not happen again during coverage of such a solemn event.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of accuracy and sensitivity when reporting on matters of national significance, especially when it comes to honoring fallen service members. It also underscores the heightened scrutiny and partisan divisions that media outlets face in the current political climate.