Trump Skips Dignified Transfer for Four Soldiers to Attend LIV Golf Event

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump chose to attend a Saudi-funded LIV golf tournament in Florida instead of the dignified transfer ceremony for four U.S. Army soldiers killed during a training mission in Lithuania. The decision has drawn criticism amidst an ongoing debate about the president’s commitment to honoring military personnel.

The four soldiers, identified as Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois; Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, 25, of Glendale, California; Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam; and Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins, 28, of Battle Creek, Michigan, tragically lost their lives when their armored vehicle sank in a bog. They were honored earlier with a dignified ceremony attended by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would represent the administration at the transfer ceremony, adding, “The Secretary of Defense will represent the Administration at the dignified transfer for the four brave U.S. servicemembers who tragically died during a training exercise in Lithuania.”

After publication of this information, sources noted that the families of the deceased soldiers had requested no media at the transfer ceremony, emphasizing their need for privacy during this difficult time. According to a Trump administration official, communication with the families of the servicemembers is ongoing.

The Lithuanian Minister of Defense expressed condolences on social media, stating, “We bid farewell to the fallen U.S. soldiers with respect and gratitude. They are our soldiers too. In this moment of tragedy, we stood together.”

Trump’s absence from the ceremony contrasts with the actions of past U.S. presidents. In February 2024, former President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden attended a similar ceremony for three soldiers killed in a drone strike. The Bidens met with the grieving families beforehand, a gesture that Trump has notably refrained from in recent years.

Critics have raised questions regarding Trump’s commitment to the military following his past attendance record at dignified transfers. Reports indicate he has attended only four ceremonies during his presidency, a stark contrast to his claims of frequent attendance. In 2020, Trump was widely criticized for how he handled a transfer ceremony after a Navy SEAL’s death, where the soldier’s father refused to meet him.

The armored vehicle involved in the recent incident was recovered after a long search. The last soldier’s body was retrieved five days following the accident. This occurrence marks another instance of tragedy within the U.S. military, raising questions around military readiness and safety during training exercises.

Trump, meanwhile, is on track to host the LIV Golf tournament at Trump National Doral Golf Club in Florida, raising eyebrows as he prioritizes a lavish event over a solemn military ceremony. The decision has sparked a mix of criticism and outrage as constituents question the values of prioritizing personal interests over honoring deceased servicemembers.

This controversy surfaces amid Trump’s complicated relationship with military families and veterans, illustrating a pattern in his engagement with moments of national loss. As the nation reflects on the sacrifices made by service members, the optics of Trump’s choices continue to reverberate across political and military dialogues.