Fox News apologizes for showing old video of a hatless Donald Trump at a
dignified transfer ceremony
[March 09, 2026]
By DAVID BAUDER
Fox News
apologized for airing old video of a hatless President Donald Trump
during coverage Sunday of his attendance at the dignified transfer
ceremony for U.S. soldiers killed in the Middle East war, insisting it
was an honest mistake.
In a
polarized time, some online critics suggested without evidence that it
wasn't an error — that the network was trying to make Trump look better
by not showing him wearing a baseball cap during what is considered one
of the most solemn duties of a commander in chief. The return of the
bodies of six soldiers took place Saturday at Dover Air Force Base. |
President Donald Trump salutes as an Army carry team moves the
flag-draped transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve
Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who was killed in a
drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel
launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return
Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia
Demaree Nikhinson) |
|
But Fox News said archival footage of Trump at an earlier
ceremony was inadvertently pulled up by a staff member and used
on two Sunday morning telecasts. A spokeswoman noted the correct
footage was used at other times, including on Saturday.
“We regret the error and apologize for the incorrect footage,”
Fox said in a statement.
Fox News anchor Griff Jenkins issued an on-the-air correction
Sunday, saying “we extend our respect and condolences” to the
families of the service members killed.
The apology didn't sit well with some critics. “If any other
network did this it would be a huge scandal, Fox would lead the
chorus of criticisms and faux-outrage, and people would lose
their jobs,” said Mehdi Hasan, founder of the online site Zeteo.
Johnny “Joey” Jones, a veteran and co-host of “The Big Weekend
Show” on Fox News Channel, said on social media that he was
“embarrassed and ashamed” that this happened.
“My belief was that this was an honest mistake, but that doesn't
make it an acceptable one,” Jones wrote. “Few things are more
sacred than our heroes who give their lives in the line of
duty.”
Jones said that “if posting snarky comments and insults is your
way of reacting to this, please direct them at me. I'm the one
with sharp words on these issues. If you are using this as a way
to take a partisan jab at my hard working colleagues, check your
watch.”
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