Trump’s PAC exploited flag-draped coffins for cash, and when a reporter confronted him, he deflected by going after her instead

President Donald Trump defended a fundraising email that used a photo from a dignified transfer ceremony for six servicemembers killed in the Iran War. The email, sent by a PAC called Never Surrender, Inc., used an official White House photo of Trump saluting at Dover Air Force Base, with a flag-draped transfer case visible in the image.

The confrontation happened aboard Air Force One, where an ABC News reporter asked Trump if he thought using such an image for fundraising was appropriate. “I do,” Trump responded. According to Mediaite, when she mentioned that critics were saying he was fundraising off the event, Trump claimed he hadn’t seen the email, saying, “I mean, somebody puts it out. We have a lot of people working for us.”

Trump then defended his support for the military, saying, “But there’s nobody that’s better to the military than me.” He then asked the reporter who she worked for, and when she said ABC News, he attacked the outlet, calling it “maybe the most corrupt news organization on the planet.” When she tried to bring the conversation back to the fallen soldiers, Trump said, “Okay, I don’t want any more from ABC.”

Using images of fallen soldiers for fundraising has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats

The fundraising email promotes what it calls a “National Security Briefing Membership” and urges recipients to donate in exchange for exclusive updates. It promises donors will “receive my private national security briefings, unfiltered updates on the threats facing America. The straight truth on border invasions, foreign adversaries, deep state sabotage, and every danger the fake news hides.”

The email also includes strong language, reading, “I’m the strong commander who stares down tyrants, obliterates terrorists, and never backs down. This is for patriots ready to stand with that kind of unbreakable strength. Not for the weak or the wavering.” It links directly to a donation page asking supporters for “a small sustaining contribution” to complete the MAGA agenda.

This is not the first time Trump or his affiliated PACs have used the ongoing Iran War to raise money. So far, 13 servicemembers have been killed in the conflict, and Trump has previously suggested the Iran War could stretch on indefinitely. When asked if he expected to attend more dignified transfers, Trump said, “I’m sure. I hate to … but it’s a part of war.”

The email drew criticism from Democrats after screenshots spread on social media. Sen. Andy Kim of New Jersey wrote, “I hope the donors’ national security briefing doesn’t skip the ‘Iran will close the Strait of Hormuz’ section that Trump and Hegseth missed.” The press office for California Gov. Gavin Newsom also weighed in on X, writing, “Donald Trump is fundraising off of dead soldiers. He is a deeply SICK and DISGUSTING MAN!”

Dignified transfers are solemn ceremonies marking the return of US servicemembers killed overseas to American soil. Reports have also emerged that Trump may use Hegseth as an exit strategy for ending the Iran War. Using images from such events for political fundraising has raised serious concerns about whether it is appropriate to use the deaths of soldiers to solicit donations.