Fox News apologized for airing old video of a hatless President Donald Trump during coverage Sunday of his attendance at the dignified transfer ceremony for U.S. soldiers killed in the Middle East war, insisting it was an honest mistake.
In a polarized time, some online critics suggested without evidence that it wasn't an error — that the network was trying to make Trump look better by not showing him wearing a baseball cap during what is considered one of the most solemn duties of a commander in chief. The return of the bodies of six soldiers took place Saturday at Dover Air Force Base.
But Fox News said archival footage of Trump at an earlier ceremony was inadvertently pulled up by a staff member and used on two Sunday morning telecasts. A spokeswoman noted the correct footage was used at other times, including on Saturday.
“We regret the error and apologize for the incorrect footage,” Fox said in a statement.
Fox News anchor Griff Jenkins issued an on-the-air correction Sunday, saying “we extend our respect and condolences” to the families of the service members killed.
The apology didn't sit well with some critics. “If any other network did this it would be a huge scandal, Fox would lead the chorus of criticisms and faux-outrage, and people would lose their jobs,” said Mehdi Hasan, founder of the online site Zeteo.
Johnny “Joey” Jones, a veteran and co-host of “The Big Weekend Show” on Fox News Channel, said on social media that he was “embarrassed and ashamed” that this happened.
“My belief was that this was an honest mistake, but that doesn't make it an acceptable one,” Jones wrote. “Few things are more sacred than our heroes who give their lives in the line of duty.”
Jones said that “if posting snarky comments and insults is your way of reacting to this, please direct them at me. I'm the one with sharp words on these issues. If you are using this as a way to take a partisan jab at my hard working colleagues, check your watch.”
David Bauder writes about the intersection of media and entertainment for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder and https://bsky.app/profile/dbauder.bsky.social.
President Donald Trump salutes as an Army carry team moves the flag-draped transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
SALLA, Finland (AP) — Traditional reindeer racing that's been delighting spectators for decades in Finland brought hundreds of fans to the Salla Reindeer Cup in the frigid town of Salla this past weekend.
Around 1,000 people attended the competition, despite frigid subfreezing temperatures and the remote location near the Russian border, roughly 264 kilometers (164 miles) northeast of the city of Oulu.
They watched and cheered as the reindeer galloped across the snow-covered track, pulling their handlers behind them on skis. Whoever is fastest wins the race.
Spectators came not only from Finland but also Italy, Norway, Germany and France, among other countries.
Reindeer husbandry has been an important part of Scandinavian culture for many decades, especially for the Sami Indigenous people in the far north of the country.
“Salla has a long history in reindeer racing — it’s been going on here since the 1950s," said Lasse Aatsinki, the head of Salla Reindeer Cup. "Back then, men spent winters in the forest, there were no snowmobiles. In late winter, the reindeer were in great shape, so they started racing them.”
These days, reindeer racing is an organized and regulated competition with trained male reindeer.
The premiere event was the so-called hot series, in which reindeer qualify if they race the kilometer-long (just over a half-mile) track in 1 minute, 19 seconds, or less. Only the fastest reindeer get to compete in this race.
“It’s a science. A lot depends on the reindeer’s character — it has to tolerate a lot: the audience, other reindeer, noise, movement," Aatsinki said. "Everyone has their tricks — and they’re usually kept under the fur hat. Every owner has their own way.”
During the race, crowds cheered their favorites on with calls of “hyvä, hyvä” and “mene, mene” — which is Finnish for “good, good” and “go, go” — as the reindeer sprinted down the final stretch.
In between races, people kept warm with reindeer soup and kampanisu, a traditional local pastry specialty from Salla.
The competition culminated Sunday with the final rounds and it was reindeer named Pompom which won the final race.
“Pompom is exceptionally fast and smart, and you rarely find one like that," said Hannu Krupula, the winning animal's owner.
“If there’s any weakness, it’s that it’s not very good-looking — which can be misleading,” he added.
"When you look at that reindeer, you might quickly think it’s poorly fed or something. But it eats well. It’s a rare individual.”
And thus after the race, Pompom and all the other reindeer got their own reward — lichen, their favorite treat.
A reindeer handler guides an eager reindeer to the starting area during the Salla Porocup reindeer sprint racing event in Salla, Finland, March 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Aino Vaananen)
A reindeer breaks away from the pack during the Salla Porocup reindeer sprint racing event on the frozen Lake Keselmajarvi in Salla, Finland, March 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Aino Vaananen)
Reindeer rest in their holding area beneath Sallatunturi fell before the start of reindeer racing at the Salla Porocup sprint racing event in Salla, Finland, March 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Aino Vaananen)
A junior competitor bursts out of the starting gate during the Salla Porocup sprint racing event in Salla, Finland, March 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Aino Vaananen)
Reindeer compete during the Salla Porocup reindeer sprint racing event on the frozen Lake Keselmajarvi in Salla, Finland, March 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Aino Vaananen)
