US President Donald Trump drew widespread criticism for his choice of attire at a dignified transfer ceremony on March 7. He was present at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, to receive the remains of six US service members killed in the conflict with Iran, which were returned home by military transport aircraft.

During the solemn moment, as he saluted the flag-draped caskets being lowered from a C-17 transport plane, Trump wore a white baseball cap. The cap featured "USA" embroidered in gold thread, a US flag on the left side, and an embossed "45/47" logo on the right, symbolizing his two potential presidential terms. The temperature at the base was 13 degrees Celsius.

US President Donald Trump, wearing a white baseball cap, salutes as the flag-draped caskets of US soldiers killed in the Iran conflict arrive at Dover Air Force Base on March 7. *Photo: AP*

Trump's decision to wear the baseball cap sparked a multi-day debate. Critics argued that wearing a casual hat at such a somber ceremony was disrespectful to the military and the fallen service members.

The controversy extended to Fox News, which faced accusations of attempting to "redeem" the president's image. During weekend broadcasts, the network repeatedly aired archival footage of Trump standing solemnly at Dover without a hat. This footage, however, was from a previous ceremony. Following intense backlash on social media, Fox News later apologized, explaining they had "accidentally aired" old clips.

Michael Steele, who chaired the Republican National Committee from 2009 to 2011 and is a frequent critic of Trump, stated that the US president "lacks self-respect or appreciation for this moment." "Take the damn hat off," Steele wrote on X.

"I know exactly what Republicans would say if Obama did that, and I would be among those criticizing it," remarked Douglas Heye, a former communications director for the Republican National Committee. "It's shameful."

Some critics also targeted Trump for using commercial products from his family business while performing presidential duties. The hat is retailed on the Trump Organization's online store for USD 55. The Trump Store website noted a 7-10 day shipping time for the hat due to "high demand."

Trump holds the hat after disembarking the plane and preparing to enter a vehicle at Dover Air Force Base on March 7. *Photo: AP*

The White House did not explain Trump's decision to wear the hat and dismissed the criticism. "The president extended condolences to the families of the fallen service members, shared love, and expressed the nation's profound gratitude," stated White House Communications Director Steven Cheung. "It's regrettable that the 'Never Trump' faction is playing reprehensible partisan politics; they need to get their heads checked."

Obama faced criticism for wearing a beige suit during a 2014 press conference. *Photo: AFP*

Beyond Trump, other leaders have also faced scrutiny over their conduct during solemn occasions. Former President Joe Biden was criticized for checking his watch during a dignified transfer ceremony for US soldiers killed in Afghanistan in 2021. Similarly, Obama faced strong reactions for having Marines hold an umbrella for him in 2013, and for wearing a beige suit instead of typical dark attire at a 2014 press conference discussing serious security issues such as the Islamic State (IS) group and the Ukraine crisis.