Fox News Apologizes for Mistaken Clip of Trump at Dignified Transfer

Network aired old footage of former president not removing hat during solemn event.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Fox News Media has apologized for using old footage of former President Donald Trump at a dignified transfer for fallen service members over the weekend. Trump wore a white hat with gold lettering that said "USA" on the front and "45-47" on the side during the March 7 event at the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, but Fox News aired footage from an earlier event where Trump did not remove his hat.

Why it matters

Removing a hat is widely considered a sign of respect and honor during a dignified transfer ceremony. Fox News' mistake could be seen as disrespectful to the fallen soldiers and their families, and raises questions about the network's fact-checking and editorial processes.

The details

The six American soldiers were killed in a March 1 drone attack in Kuwait. Trump received their remains at the Dover Air Force Base on March 7. "We inadvertently aired video from an older dignified transfer instead of the ceremony that took place yesterday," Griff Jenkins said on "Fox & Friends Weekend" on March 8. "We deeply regret the error and extend our respect and condolences to the service members' families."

  • The dignified transfer ceremony took place on March 7, 2026.
  • Fox News aired the mistaken footage on March 8, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who attended the dignified transfer ceremony on March 7, 2026.

Griff Jenkins

A Fox News anchor who apologized for the network's mistake on "Fox & Friends Weekend" on March 8, 2026.

Fox News Media

The media company that apologized for using old footage of Trump at the dignified transfer ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“We inadvertently aired video from an older dignified transfer instead of the ceremony that took place yesterday. We deeply regret the error and extend our respect and condolences to the service members' families.”

— Griff Jenkins, Fox News Anchor (Fox & Friends Weekend)

“As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives, we pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen.”

— Donald Trump (Social Media)

What’s next

Fox News has stated that it will review its editorial processes to prevent similar mistakes in the future.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of accuracy and sensitivity when reporting on solemn events like dignified transfers. It serves as a reminder for media outlets to fact-check footage and be mindful of the gravity of such ceremonies.