Trump-Linked PAC Exploits Soldier's Dignity in Fundraising Email
A political action committee associated with Donald Trump has stirred controversy by incorporating an image of the president saluting a deceased soldier’s casket in a recent fundraising email. This move has drawn sharp criticism from various Democratic leaders and veterans' organizations.
Sent on Thursday, the email from Never Surrender Inc. promotes a new “National Security Briefing Membership” and features multiple links for donations. The photo used depicts Trump during a dignified transfer ceremony for six U.S. service members who lost their lives in 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 states. “The straight truth on border invasions, foreign adversaries, deep state sabotage, and every danger the fake news hides.”
This image was initially shared by the White House last week, credited to photographer Daniel Torok. The White House remarked, “The six fallen warriors represent the very best of America, giving everything in service to our country. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Criticism erupted swiftly on social media. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office labeled Trump a “deeply SICK and DISGUSTING MAN,” accusing him of “fundraising off of dead soldiers.”
Representative Mike Quigley from Illinois echoed this sentiment, asserting that Trump is “profiting off” the deaths of service members.
Democratic Senator Andy Kim also weighed in, suggesting that the donors’ national security briefing should not overlook critical issues like Iran’s potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a point he claims Trump and his associates have missed.
“Not a shred of dignity to be found anywhere in this administration,” commented Army veteran Naveed Shah, who serves as political director for the veterans’ advocacy group Common Defense.
Kim’s remarks seem to reference a CNN report indicating that administration officials may have underestimated the implications of the Iran conflict on the vital shipping route. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the report as “100% FAKE NEWS.”
Requests for comments from both the White House and Never Surrender Inc. have gone unanswered.
Since the onset of U.S.-Israeli strikes, Trump-affiliated fundraising groups have dispatched over a dozen emails and text messages mentioning Iran, often crafted to appear as if penned by Trump himself. His signature appears on several communications.
“Right now, I’m asking everyone who approves of Operation Epic Fury to rally behind me with incredible messages of support,” reads a March 5 message from the Trump Save America Joint Fundraising Committee, which is authorized by both Never Surrender and Save America.
“Your words mean the world to me,” it continues. “Show your support! Will you stand STRONG with me as I protect our country?”
Respondents are presented with three options: “no,” “unsure,” or “YES - I STAND WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP!”
Suggested donations range from $26 to $3,300 to support the Trump National Committee JFC.
Never Surrender has financed numerous fundraising emails referencing the ongoing conflict with Iran. One recent message included a stark warning directed at Iranian forces: “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 email sent Saturday declared: “NOW THAT DEMOCRATS SIDED WITH THE RADICAL REGIME IN IRAN… IT HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT TO HOLD OUR MAGA MAJORITY DURING THE MIDTERMS!”
Since February 28, at least 13 U.S. service members have been killed amid escalating tensions with Iran. Additionally, over 140 others sustained injuries during the first ten days of military operations, according to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell. Of those injured, at least 108 have returned to duty while eight remain classified as “severely injured.”
The duration of this conflict remains uncertain as it approaches its third week. When asked by Fox News host Brian Kilmeade how he would know when the war is over, Trump replied: “When I feel it — feel it in my bones.”
