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Dover Today
By the People, for the People
Trump's Complicated History with Military Sacrifice
The president's past comments and actions regarding the military could resurface as he honors fallen service members.
Published on Mar. 7, 2026
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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 come under scrutiny. Trump has a record of both reverential and dismissive comments about the military, from awarding the Medal of Honor to criticizing Sen. John McCain's service. His past controversies, including alleged disparaging remarks about fallen soldiers, could resurface as he navigates this delicate moment.
Why it matters
Trump's relationship with the military is a sensitive political issue, and how he handles this visit to honor the fallen could impact public perception of his support for the armed forces. His past comments have drawn criticism, and this event provides an opportunity for him to demonstrate his respect for military sacrifice.
The details
Trump has a mixed record when it comes to honoring the military. He has presented the Medal of Honor to recognize individual acts of bravery, but he has also made controversial remarks, such as criticizing Sen. John McCain's service and allegedly disparaging fallen soldiers as 'suckers' and 'losers.' Trump also received deferments to avoid the draft during the Vietnam War, and has joked about trying to receive military medals himself.
- Trump is scheduled to visit Dover Air Force Base on Saturday, March 7, 2026 to honor the six 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 current President of the United States, who has a complicated history with the military and military sacrifice.
John McCain
A former U.S. Senator who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, and whom Trump criticized for being 'captured.'
Terry P. Richardson
A retired Command Sergeant Major who was recently awarded the Medal of Honor by Trump for actions during the Vietnam War.
Eric Slover
An Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 who was awarded the Medal of Honor by Trump last month for his actions in Venezuela.
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)
“The success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow warriors hinged on Eric's ability to take searing pain.”
— 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 White House has not indicated if Trump plans to make any formal remarks during his visit to Dover Air Force Base.
The takeaway
Trump's history of controversial comments about the military could overshadow his visit to honor the fallen, raising questions about his true respect for military service and sacrifice.
