Summary

Donald Trump will not attend the dignified transfer of four U.S. soldiers killed during a training exercise in Lithuania.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will represent the administration at Dover Air Force Base. Critics noted Trump’s rare attendance at such ceremonies, citing just four appearances during his first term.

The soldiers’ remains were found in a peat bog after a March 25 accident.

Trump is instead scheduled to attend a dinner at Mar-a-Lago. Lithuania’s president honored the fallen at a repatriation ceremony, drawing contrast with Trump’s absence.