Trump Skips Dignified Transfer of Seventh Soldier Killed in Iran War

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President Donald Trump was absent at the dignified transfer of the seventh U.S. service member killed during his war in Iran, after facing criticism for wearing a Trump-branded baseball cap at the previous transfer ceremony. The transfer of U.S. Army Sgt. Benjamin Pennington, who died on March 8 from injuries sustained in an Iranian attack, was attended by Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine.

Why it matters

The dignified transfer ceremony is an important ritual to honor fallen service members, and the president's absence, after his controversial hat choice at the last ceremony, raises questions about his respect for military traditions and the families of the deceased.

The details

Sgt. Pennington was the seventh U.S. service member killed in retaliatory strikes conducted by Iran after the U.S. and Israel began their campaign against the country on Feb. 28. Pennington, a Kentucky native, was stationed at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 1 when it was struck, dying from his injuries a week later. He was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade based at Fort Carson, Colorado.

• Sgt. Pennington died on March 8 from injuries sustained in an Iranian attack.
• The dignified transfer ceremony took place on Monday night at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The White House has been contacted for comment on the president's absence from the dignified transfer ceremony.