Trump Skips Memorial for American Soldiers, Attends Golf Dinner Instead
President's absence during dignified transfer of four soldiers raises questions about priorities.
President Donald Trump did not attend the dignified transfer ceremony for four American soldiers who lost their lives during a training operation in Lithuania, as he opted to participate in a dinner reception at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida instead.
The transfer took place at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Friday, as confirmed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth represented the Administration at the ceremony.
Trump left the White House for Florida on Thursday and was reported to have dined with leaders of the LIV Golf tour that evening.
His public schedule only indicated a dinner event at Mar-a-Lago at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday.
An administration official noted that the families of the deceased soldiers requested that media not be present at the dignified transfer to maintain their privacy.
The dignified transfer process is a solemn ceremony designed to honor military personnel who have died while serving the nation, formally conducted at Dover Air Force Base.
The Air Force stipulates that media access to such transfers is only granted with the consent of the families involved.
While it is common for Presidents to attend dignified transfers, it is not obligatory.
During Trump's presidency, he has attended only four out of 96 dignified transfers since taking office in January 2017.
The soldiers who perished were identified as Troy S. Knutson-Collins, 28; Jose Duenez Jr., 25; Edvin F. Franco, 25; and Dante D. Taitano, 21. They were members of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and were reported missing on March 25. Their armored vehicle was subsequently discovered submerged in a peat bog, and recovery efforts were completed days later.
Lithuania's President Gitanas Nausėda attended a separate ceremony on Thursday to honor the fallen soldiers as their remains were transported to Vilnius airport for repatriation to the United States.
Criticism of Trump's absence from the transfer has emerged on social media, with various users condemning his decision to prioritize golf over attending the ceremony.
Some commentators noted the disparity between Trump's absence and the presence of dignitaries such as the Lithuanian president at the ceremony.
Trump has addressed the situation during a press briefing aboard Air Force One, indicating that he would be engaged in golf-related events over the weekend, while earlier he stated he had not received a briefing regarding the missing soldiers.
The commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, Major General Christopher Norrie, expressed sorrow over the soldiers' deaths and affirmed ongoing support for their families as they are honored and brought home.
The transfer took place at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Friday, as confirmed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth represented the Administration at the ceremony.
Trump left the White House for Florida on Thursday and was reported to have dined with leaders of the LIV Golf tour that evening.
His public schedule only indicated a dinner event at Mar-a-Lago at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday.
An administration official noted that the families of the deceased soldiers requested that media not be present at the dignified transfer to maintain their privacy.
The dignified transfer process is a solemn ceremony designed to honor military personnel who have died while serving the nation, formally conducted at Dover Air Force Base.
The Air Force stipulates that media access to such transfers is only granted with the consent of the families involved.
While it is common for Presidents to attend dignified transfers, it is not obligatory.
During Trump's presidency, he has attended only four out of 96 dignified transfers since taking office in January 2017.
The soldiers who perished were identified as Troy S. Knutson-Collins, 28; Jose Duenez Jr., 25; Edvin F. Franco, 25; and Dante D. Taitano, 21. They were members of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and were reported missing on March 25. Their armored vehicle was subsequently discovered submerged in a peat bog, and recovery efforts were completed days later.
Lithuania's President Gitanas Nausėda attended a separate ceremony on Thursday to honor the fallen soldiers as their remains were transported to Vilnius airport for repatriation to the United States.
Criticism of Trump's absence from the transfer has emerged on social media, with various users condemning his decision to prioritize golf over attending the ceremony.
Some commentators noted the disparity between Trump's absence and the presence of dignitaries such as the Lithuanian president at the ceremony.
Trump has addressed the situation during a press briefing aboard Air Force One, indicating that he would be engaged in golf-related events over the weekend, while earlier he stated he had not received a briefing regarding the missing soldiers.
The commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, Major General Christopher Norrie, expressed sorrow over the soldiers' deaths and affirmed ongoing support for their families as they are honored and brought home.
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