Story perspectives

Trump Faces Backlash for Fundraising Using Fallen Soldiers' Photo

3/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump faced backlash after using a photo from a dignified transfer ceremony to promote fundraising.
Never Surrender Inc., Trump's action committee, sent an email offering access to national security briefings for donations.
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the move, calling Trump a deeply sick and disgusting man.
The controversy comes amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, where at least 13 U.S. service members have died.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. has honored military sacrifices through dignified transfer ceremonies since 2001, with over 6,000 troops lost in Iraq and Afghanistan by 2014. Trump's recent fundraising tactics, using such imagery, have drawn criticism from figures like California Governor Gavin Newsom, highlighting the ongoing tension between military respect and political opportunism in American discourse.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump faced backlash after using a photo from a dignified transfer ceremony to promote fundraising.
Never Surrender Inc., Trump's action committee, sent an email offering access to national security briefings for donations.
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the move, calling Trump a deeply sick and disgusting man.
The controversy comes amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, where at least 13 U.S. service members have died.

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