Fox News apologizes for showing old video of a hatless Donald Trump at a dignified transfer ceremony

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)

Three Zambian players for National Women's Soccer League teams are not yet able to return to the United State following an international match because of U.S. travel protocols surrounding the Ebola outbreak.

Barbra Banda of the Orlando Pride, Racheal Kundananji of the Chicago Stars and Prisca Chilufya of Angel City took part in an Oct. 8 match in Uganda.

“Following their participation with the Zambian Women’s National Team during the recent international window, several players are currently observing U.S. government public health re-entry protocols required for travelers returning from the East African region,” the NWSL said in a statement Friday. "The NWSL is working with its clubs and U.S. immigration to ensure the players’ safe return; all players are in excellent health.

Zambia played a two-legged series with Uganda as part of qualification for the 2028 Los Angele Olympics earlier this month. The first match was in Uganda, where there were 20 confirmed cases of Ebola this summer.

Zambia fell 2-1 loss to Uganda in the first match in Kampala, but won the second leg 4-1 that advanced Zambia 5-3 on aggregate.

The absence of those players comes at a crucial time in the NWSL season, with only two regular-season games left before the playoffs.

The United States has imposed a 21-day waiting or quarantine period for re-entry on travelers who have been in the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan due to to the Ebola outbreak.

The current Ebola outbreak was declared in mid-May after spreading in a remote part of eastern Congo. The nation's Health Ministry recently reported 9,066 confirmed cases and 4,381 deaths.

Last week, Kenya became the second country after Uganda to report an Ebola case imported from Congo.

See AP’s full soccer coverage here

FILE - Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda looks on during an NWSL soccer match against the Chicago Stars, March 14, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)