GOP Fundraiser with Hegseth Postponed Amid Iran War Buildup

Rep. Zach Nunn delays 'Top Nunn' event out of respect for U.S. casualties in the conflict.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rep. Zach Nunn, an Iowa Republican, has postponed a planned 'Top Gun' themed fundraiser with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that had drawn criticism over its timing - at the start of a war with Iran that has already resulted in U.S. casualties. Nunn announced the postponement on social media, saying the event called 'Top Nunn' and billed as a 'salute to the troops' was scheduled for later this month in a Des Moines suburb.

Why it matters

The announcement of the fundraiser drew strong condemnation from Democrats, who accused Hegseth of leveraging the war for political purposes. The postponement comes as the U.S. and Israel have launched airstrikes against Iran, resulting in the first American casualties of the conflict.

The details

On Tuesday, the Pentagon publicly identified the first U.S. deaths in the war, troops who were killed by an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait. The six soldiers were assigned to an Army Reserve command based in Nunn's district, and two of them were from Iowa. Nunn, a former intelligence officer for the Air Force, explained the postponement in a social media post while offering condolences to the families of the troops who were killed.

  • On Tuesday, the Pentagon publicly identified the first U.S. deaths in the war.
  • The 'Top Nunn' fundraiser was originally scheduled for later this month.

The players

Rep. Zach Nunn

An Iowa Republican who postponed the 'Top Nunn' fundraiser out of respect for U.S. casualties in the war with Iran.

Pete Hegseth

The U.S. Defense Secretary who was scheduled to appear at the 'Top Nunn' fundraiser.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Operation TOP NUNN is postponed. We will have more to share about the event soon, and all ticket holders will be notified of the new date. Our prayers are with the families and our action is with our troops on the frontlines.”

— Rep. Zach Nunn (Social media)

“The announcement of the fundraiser drew strong condemnation from Democrats, who accused Hegseth of leveraging the war for political purposes.”

— Katie Smith, DCCC spokesperson (Politico)

What’s next

Nunn said he plans to attend the arrival of the remains of the six soldiers at Dover Air Force Base on Saturday along with President Donald Trump.

The takeaway

This postponement highlights the sensitivity around political events during times of war and the need for elected officials to show respect for fallen troops and their families, even in the midst of partisan campaigning.