- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Dover Today
By the People, for the People
Trump's Complicated History with Military Sacrifice
The president's visit to Dover Air Force Base to honor fallen troops could be a delicate moment given his past controversies.
Published on Mar. 7, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
As President Trump visits Dover Air Force Base to honor six American service members killed in the Middle East, his complicated history with military service and sacrifice could resurface. Trump has been both reverential and dismissive when it comes to discussing the military, from awarding the Medal of Honor to criticizing Sen. John McCain's service. The president's past comments about fallen troops, wounded soldiers, and his own desire for military honors have drawn criticism and could make this latest visit a fraught moment.
Why it matters
Trump's relationship with the military has been a point of controversy throughout his presidency. As he faces the solemn duty of honoring fallen troops, it could shine a spotlight on his uneven track record of respecting military service and sacrifice, which has at times included disparaging remarks about prisoners of war, wounded soldiers, and the families of the fallen.
The details
Trump has both praised the bravery of service members, such as when he awarded the Medal of Honor, and made controversial comments that have drawn criticism. He once said Sen. John McCain was not a war hero because he was captured, and allegedly referred to fallen troops as 'suckers' and 'losers.' Trump also joked about trying to receive military medals himself, despite avoiding the draft during the Vietnam War.
- Trump is scheduled to visit Dover Air Force Base on Saturday, March 7, 2026 to honor the six American service members killed in the Middle East.
- Last month, Trump presented the Medal of Honor to Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover for his actions in Venezuela.
The players
Donald Trump
The 45th President of the United States, who has a complicated history with the military and military sacrifice.
Sen. John McCain
A former U.S. senator and Vietnam War veteran who was tortured as a prisoner of war, whom Trump criticized for being captured.
What they’re saying
“Today you entered the ranks of the bravest warriors ever to stride the face of the earth.”
— Donald Trump, President of the United States (White House)
“He is a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren't captured.”
— Donald Trump (Campaign event)
What’s next
The president's visit to Dover Air Force Base to honor the fallen troops will be closely watched, as it could revive discussions about his past controversial comments regarding the military and military service.
The takeaway
Trump's complicated history with the military and military sacrifice could make his visit to Dover Air Force Base a delicate moment, as he faces the solemn duty of honoring fallen troops while also confronting his own uneven track record of respecting service and sacrifice.
