Trump Faces Criticism for Skipping Ceremony Honoring Fallen Soldiers to Attend Golf Event

President Trump opted to attend a Saudi-backed LIV Golf tournament at his Florida resort while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth represented the administration at the Dover dignified transfer ceremony.

President Donald Trump did not attend the dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base for four U.S. soldiers who died during a training exercise in Lithuania, sending Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in his place.
The soldiers, members of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, were honored in a solemn farewell ceremony in Lithuania attended by President Gitanas Nausėda and thousands of citizens.
Critics, including veterans and military families, have condemned Trump’s decision to prioritize the LIV Golf dinner and tournament at his Doral resort, which is financially backed by Saudi Arabia.
The dignified transfer ceremony, a deeply respected military tradition, was attended by Democratic senators Dick Durbin, Tammy Duckworth, and Chris Coons, who paid their respects to the fallen soldiers.
The families of the soldiers had requested no media presence at the Dover ceremony, while Trump’s absence has reignited debates about his commitment to honoring military service members.

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