President Donald Trump has been slammed online after he was seen wearing the same hat while golfing on Sunday that he had worn days earlier during a dignified transfer ceremony for U.S. soldiers killed in an Iranian drone strike earlier this month.
Images circulating on social media show Trump finishing a round of golf over the weekend wearing a white cap, which users compared to photographs from March 7, when the president attended the transfer of six U.S. Army soldiers at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
The troops were killed on March 1 when an Iranian drone struck their position in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, during what the U.S. government has described as “Operation Epic Fury.”
The contrast between the solemn military ceremony and the president’s weekend golf outing quickly drew reaction online—with people particularly shocked by the hat appearing in both instances.
Newsweek reached out to the White House via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The pictures of the president come at a sensitive moment in the U.S.-Iran conflict, which has already resulted in American military casualties and heightened tensions across the Middle East. The March 1 drone strike marked the first confirmed U.S. service member deaths in the conflict with Iran, making the dignified transfer at Dover one of the earliest and most-visible reminders of the human cost of the war.
Trump’s conduct surrounding military deaths is being closely scrutinized by the public, and for critics, the symbolism of attire—especially when tied to a ceremony honoring fallen troops—has become a focal point for broader concerns about tone, leadership and respect during wartime.
What To Know
An image taken on March 7 showed Trump wearing the white hat with a gold “USA” emblem on the front while standing alongside senior officials and members of the military as Army carry teams prepared to move flag‑draped transfer cases at Dover Air Force Base.
The ceremony honored six soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command who were killed in action by an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait.
Over the weekend, photos shared online by The Guardian White House correspondent Hugo Lowell showed Trump wearing what appeared to be the same hat while golfing and waving to supporters.
Internet Reacts
Social media users on X were quick to comment on the comparison in attire between the two events.
“He’s still wearing his funeral hat?” one user wrote. Another posted: “Is he wearing the same hat he wore to the dignified transfer? Never wear a formal cap to a golf outing.”
“Is that his dignified transfer hat?” asked a third X user.
Others described it as an “official mourning cap” while one commenter questioned the fact the president was playing golf at all. “Golfing?? I’m sure our military would like a day to golf,” said one commenter.
What Happens Next
Earlier this week, Trump said that the war with Iran could be nearing an end. On Monday, he told CBS News, “I think the war is very complete, pretty much,” a particularly welcome update as crude oil prices spiked near $120 a barrel before falling on Monday.
But with economic shock waves hitting American farmers and gas prices, scrutiny of the government is likely to intensify, while the president’s style decisions may seem trivial, the backlash is a symbol of how closely every move is being watched by a nervous public.
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