Fox News Accused of Hiding Trump's Disrespect at Military Ceremony

Network faces backlash for using old footage to avoid showing president's controversial attire at dignified transfer

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Fox News is facing intense criticism for repeatedly airing old footage instead of showing Donald Trump's actual conduct at a recent dignified transfer ceremony for six U.S. service members killed in the war with Iran. The network was caught using clips from a December 2025 event and presenting them as footage from the March 7, 2026 ceremony, where Trump sparked outrage by wearing a $55 campaign baseball cap rather than appropriate attire for the solemn occasion.

Why it matters

Trump's close relationship with Fox News has long been a source of controversy, with the network frequently accused of acting as a mouthpiece for the former president. This latest incident raises further questions about the network's willingness to shield Trump from negative coverage, even when his actions are seen as disrespectful to fallen service members.

The details

After being called out for using old footage, Fox News continued to air video of the March 7 ceremony that avoided showing Trump. In one clip, the network cut away before the president could be seen saluting while wearing the gold-embroidered 'USA' cap. Critics accused Fox of deliberately choosing to exclude footage of Trump's controversial attire.

  • On March 7, 2026, Trump attended the dignified transfer of six U.S. service members killed in the war with Iran.
  • On March 8, 2026, Fox News was caught airing old footage from a December 2025 event instead of the March 7 ceremony.

The players

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old former president who sparked bipartisan backlash for wearing a $55 campaign baseball cap to the dignified transfer ceremony.

Fox News

The conservative news network that has faced mounting criticism for repeatedly using old footage to avoid showing Trump's controversial attire at the March 7 event.

Griff Jenkins

The Fox & Friends Weekend co-host who was forced to address the network's use of old footage, calling it a 'mistake'.

Mike Emanuel

The stand-in Fox News Live host who aired footage of the March 7 ceremony that excluded Trump.

Gavin Newsom

The California governor who joined the chorus opposing Fox News' actions, calling the network's explanation a 'lie'.

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What they’re saying

“Fox's dignified transfer footage now just completely excludes Trump.”

— Acyn Torabi, Editor, MeidasTouch (X)

“This wasn't a 'mistake' Griff Jenkins. The main story out of Dover AFB yesterday was Trump's undignified donning of a campaign baseball cap during the dignified transfer ceremony. @FoxNews was surely aware of this when they deliberately chose to air B-roll footage from December.”

— Bad Fox Graphics (X)

“Fox News is lying for the president.”

— Gavin Newsom's office, California Governor (X)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Fox News and its critics over the network's perceived willingness to shield Trump from negative coverage, even when his actions are seen as disrespectful to the military. It raises further questions about the network's journalistic integrity and its role in shaping public discourse around the former president.