Trump Attends Dignified Transfer of Six Soldiers Killed in Strike

President Trump, First Lady, and other top officials pay respects at Dover Air Force Base

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

President Donald Trump on Saturday attended the dignified transfer of the six soldiers who were killed in a drone strike on March 1. Trump, along with First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, and other top-ranking officials, including lawmakers and governors, were present for the transfer at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.

Why it matters

The dignified transfer ceremony is a solemn tradition to honor fallen U.S. service members. Trump's attendance, along with other high-ranking officials, underscores the gravity of the loss and the nation's respect for the sacrifices made by these soldiers.

The details

The six soldiers lost in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait on Sunday are Maj. Jeffery R. O' Brien of Indianola, Iowa; Capt. Cody A. Khork of Winter Haven, Florida; Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan of Sacramento, California; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens of Bellevue, Nebraska; and Sgt. Declan J. Coady of West Des Moines, Iowa. Trump arrived at the base via Air Force One at 1:09 p.m. and motorcaded to meet with the families of the fallen at 1:25 p.m. At 3:09 p.m., the president walked out for the transfer, saluting as each transfer case was taken off the C-17 Globemaster.

  • The drone strike occurred on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
  • The dignified transfer ceremony took place on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who attended the dignified transfer ceremony.

Melania Trump

The First Lady of the United States, who attended the dignified transfer ceremony.

JD Vance

The Vice President of the United States, who attended the dignified transfer ceremony.

Usha Vance

The Second Lady of the United States, who attended the dignified transfer ceremony.

Pete Hegseth

The Secretary of War, who attended the dignified transfer ceremony.

Dan Caine

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who attended the dignified transfer ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“The parents were so proud of their boy, as they called him, 'My boy.' In one case, a young lady. Their parents are so proud.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (Breitbart)

The takeaway

The dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base was a solemn and poignant moment, as the nation's highest-ranking officials paid their respects to the six fallen soldiers. The event underscores the gravity of the loss and the nation's commitment to honoring the sacrifices made by those who serve in the U.S. military.