A political action committee linked to Donald Trump used a photo of the president saluting a dead soldier’s casket in a fundraising email, prompting backlash from several Democratic officials and veterans groups.
The message, sent Thursday and paid for by Never Surrender Inc., advertises a new “National Security Briefing Membership” and includes multiple donation links. The message included an image of Trump saluting during last week’s dignified transfer ceremony for six U.S. service members who were killed during an Iranian drone attack in Kuwait.
“As a National Security Briefing Member, you’ll receive my private national security briefings, unfiltered updates on the threats facing America,” the email reads. “The straight truth on border invasions, foreign adversaries, deep state sabotage, and every danger the fake news hides.”
The White House originally shared the photo by photographer Daniel Torok on X last week.
“The six fallen warriors represent the very best of America, giving everything in service to our country,” the White House wrote. “Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Government officials were quick to criticize the email on social media.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office called Trump a “deeply SICK and DISGUSTING MAN” and accused him of “fundraising off of dead soldiers.”
Representative Mike Quigley, a Democrat from Illinois, claimed that Trump is “profiting off” service members’ deaths.
Democratic Senator Andy Kim also reacted to the email, writing, “I hope the donors’ national security briefing doesn’t skip the ‘Iran will close the Strait of Hormuz’ section that Trump and Hegseth missed.”
“Not a shred of dignity to be found anywhere in this administration,” wrote Army veteran Naveed Shah, political director for veterans’ advocacy group Common Defense.
Kim’s post appears to reference a recent CNN report, which suggested administration officials underestimated the Iran conflict’s impact on the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route off Iran’s southern coast. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has pushed back on the report, calling it “100% FAKE NEWS.”
The Independent has requested comment from the White House and Never Surrender Inc. for comment.
Trump-connected fundraising groups have sent more than a dozen emails and text messages referencing Iran since the start of the U.S.-Israeli strikes, often written to appear as if the president himself has written them. Trump’s signature also appears on several messages.
“Right now, I’m asking everyone who approves of Operation Epic Fury to rally behind me with incredible messages of support,” the president says in a March 5 message from the Trump Save America Joint Fundraising Committee, a joint fundraising committee composed of and authorized by Never Surrender and Save America.
“Your words mean the world to me,” the message says. “Show your support!Will you stand STRONG with me as I protect our country?”
Respondents are given a set of three replies, which range from “no,” to “unsure,” to “YES – I STAND WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP!”
Suggested donations range from $26 to $3,300 to support the Trump National Committee JFC.
Never Surrender has paid for a number of fundraising emails that reference the ongoing conflict with Iran.
On recent message included a direct warning to Iranian forces from the president: “To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces, and all of the police, I say that you must lay down all your weapons and have complete immunity or you will face certain death.”
Another fundraising message, sent Saturday, reads: “NOW THAT DEMOCRATS SIDED WITH THE RADICAL REGIME IN IRAN… IT HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT TO HOLD OUR MAGA MAJORITY DURING THE MIDTERMS!”
At least 13 U.S. service members have been killed since the Iran conflict began on February 28.
At least 140 others were injured over the first 10 days of the campaign, according to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell. At least 108 service members have returned to duty, and eight remain listed as “severely injured,” defense officials told The Independent.
It’s unclear when the conflict, which is entering its third week, might come to an end. When Fox News host Brian Kilmeade asked Trump how he’ll know the war is over, the president replied: “When I feel it — feel it in my bones.”
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