It might be helpful to cite the 'unqualified' people Judge Brian Murphy decided aren't qualified to serve on the vaccine board.
Dr. Pollak: a transplant surgeon with 120+ peer-reviewed publications and who was the principal investigator on NIH transplant grants. Note that transplant biology is immunology. Dr. Pollack has spent his entire career studying the immune system. Judge Murphy’s verdict: he’s not a vaccine expert.
Dr. Stein: an epidemiologist, Case Western Reserve graduate, 115 peer-reviewed publications on tuberculosis and infectious disease. Murphy’s verdict: not a vaccine expert. Because tuberculosis and infectious disease background don’t count, not unless you studied the right infectious diseases.
Dr. Malone: credited with foundational mRNA vaccine technology research, not to mention he’s been writing about vaccines for the last six years, almost every day. Murphy’s verdict: his mRNA work was 30 years ago, his role is “disputed,” and the judge cited a New York Times hit piece calling him a “misinformation star.” In other words, a federal judge used a far-left newspaper hit-piece to impugn a scientist’s academic credentials. In a legal opinion. Unironically.
Dr. Griffin: he was the Surgeon General of Louisiana. Murphy: Not qualified.
Dr. Milhoan (the ACIP Chair): a pediatric cardiologist, Air Force flight surgeon, and a Ph.D. in myocardial inflammation. Murphy: Not qualified! Apparently, studying how hearts get inflamed after vaccination doesn’t count as relevant vaccine expertise.
It also might be helpful to note that to date, Judge Murphy's 3 decisions stopping Trump's agenda have been overturned by the Supreme Court three times. He's 0-3. Even the liberal justices ruled against him.
"Should the President Salute at a Dignified Transfer?
There is no formal law or military regulation requiring the U.S. President to salute at a dignified transfer — the act is considered a matter of custom and courtesy rather than a legal obligation legalclarity.org. The President’s salute is a symbolic gesture of respect for the armed forces, and military personnel are required to salute the President as Commander-in-Chief legalclarity.org.
Historical and Protocol Context
No binding rule: The White House and Pentagon have never issued a mandate for presidential attendance or saluting at dignified transfers VICE.
Custom over law: Presidents have attended or declined to attend these events depending on the administration’s priorities, family wishes, and political considerations factually.co+1.
Symbolic meaning: Saluting in such settings reinforces the bond between the civilian head of state and the service members, honoring their sacrifice legalclarity.org.
Recent Examples
In March 2026, President Donald Trump attended a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base and saluted the flag-draped transfer cases, though he was wearing a golf hat during the ceremony, which drew public scrutiny The Guardian.
Critics argued that his attire and later actions (e.g., holding the hat in his hand, then fist-pumping) undermined the solemnity of the event Atlanta Black Star. Supporters maintained it was a personal choice and not a breach of protocol.
Key Takeaways
Not required: The President is not legally obligated to salute at a dignified transfer.
Optional but customary: Many presidents choose to salute in such ceremonies as a sign of respect.
Public optics matter: Even without a rule, the President’s appearance and conduct can influence public perception of respect for fallen service members.
In short, while saluting is not mandatory, it is a widely recognized and respected custom that can strengthen the symbolic connection between the President and the military during solemn events like a dignified transfer."
Commander in chief is not a military rank or title. And if it’s just ok to let the president off the hook for etiquette and courtesy for war dead what else is worth letting him off the hook for?
Regarding salutes, Eisenhower appears to be the only recent President who got it perfect. He did not return military salutes because he wanted it to make it clear he was a civilian in his role as Commander in Chief. I consider Eisenhower to be the best President in my lifetime.
Trump does not deliberately disrespect fallen military. Maybe he or his advisors should have known not to wear an informal hat. But a breach of etiquette is not a hanging offense.
Well actually there’s a lot more to the story of “feeling better” and “relative to what?” I am posting from the hospital. I’ll provide more details when I’m out.
Hope you feel better soon.
To note, it's not just a cap but a political campaign cap.
They're also using pictures of Trump saluting the dead in said cap in political fundraising emails.
Actually the president almost always is dressed in a suit and tie. Get a grip.
No kidding. Trump salutes and Biden checks his watch.
It might be helpful to cite the 'unqualified' people Judge Brian Murphy decided aren't qualified to serve on the vaccine board.
Dr. Pollak: a transplant surgeon with 120+ peer-reviewed publications and who was the principal investigator on NIH transplant grants. Note that transplant biology is immunology. Dr. Pollack has spent his entire career studying the immune system. Judge Murphy’s verdict: he’s not a vaccine expert.
Dr. Stein: an epidemiologist, Case Western Reserve graduate, 115 peer-reviewed publications on tuberculosis and infectious disease. Murphy’s verdict: not a vaccine expert. Because tuberculosis and infectious disease background don’t count, not unless you studied the right infectious diseases.
Dr. Malone: credited with foundational mRNA vaccine technology research, not to mention he’s been writing about vaccines for the last six years, almost every day. Murphy’s verdict: his mRNA work was 30 years ago, his role is “disputed,” and the judge cited a New York Times hit piece calling him a “misinformation star.” In other words, a federal judge used a far-left newspaper hit-piece to impugn a scientist’s academic credentials. In a legal opinion. Unironically.
Dr. Griffin: he was the Surgeon General of Louisiana. Murphy: Not qualified.
Dr. Milhoan (the ACIP Chair): a pediatric cardiologist, Air Force flight surgeon, and a Ph.D. in myocardial inflammation. Murphy: Not qualified! Apparently, studying how hearts get inflamed after vaccination doesn’t count as relevant vaccine expertise.
It also might be helpful to note that to date, Judge Murphy's 3 decisions stopping Trump's agenda have been overturned by the Supreme Court three times. He's 0-3. Even the liberal justices ruled against him.
The President is a civilian but is also Commander in Chief. Saluting is a symbol of respect. The hat is less formal but I'm sure there was no disrespect intended. This is what I found on an internet search. https://www.bing.com/search?q=should+the+president+salute+at+a+dignified+transfer&form=QBLH&sp=-1&ghc=1&lq=0&pq=should+the+president+salute+at+a+dignified+transfer&sc=0-51&qs=n&sk=&cvid=6A5283FDD694439E9CE7CE34E23C6453
"Should the President Salute at a Dignified Transfer?
There is no formal law or military regulation requiring the U.S. President to salute at a dignified transfer — the act is considered a matter of custom and courtesy rather than a legal obligation legalclarity.org. The President’s salute is a symbolic gesture of respect for the armed forces, and military personnel are required to salute the President as Commander-in-Chief legalclarity.org.
Historical and Protocol Context
No binding rule: The White House and Pentagon have never issued a mandate for presidential attendance or saluting at dignified transfers VICE.
Custom over law: Presidents have attended or declined to attend these events depending on the administration’s priorities, family wishes, and political considerations factually.co+1.
Symbolic meaning: Saluting in such settings reinforces the bond between the civilian head of state and the service members, honoring their sacrifice legalclarity.org.
Recent Examples
In March 2026, President Donald Trump attended a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base and saluted the flag-draped transfer cases, though he was wearing a golf hat during the ceremony, which drew public scrutiny The Guardian.
Critics argued that his attire and later actions (e.g., holding the hat in his hand, then fist-pumping) undermined the solemnity of the event Atlanta Black Star. Supporters maintained it was a personal choice and not a breach of protocol.
Key Takeaways
Not required: The President is not legally obligated to salute at a dignified transfer.
Optional but customary: Many presidents choose to salute in such ceremonies as a sign of respect.
Public optics matter: Even without a rule, the President’s appearance and conduct can influence public perception of respect for fallen service members.
In short, while saluting is not mandatory, it is a widely recognized and respected custom that can strengthen the symbolic connection between the President and the military during solemn events like a dignified transfer."
Commander in chief is not a military rank or title. And if it’s just ok to let the president off the hook for etiquette and courtesy for war dead what else is worth letting him off the hook for?
Glad you are feeling better.
Regarding salutes, Eisenhower appears to be the only recent President who got it perfect. He did not return military salutes because he wanted it to make it clear he was a civilian in his role as Commander in Chief. I consider Eisenhower to be the best President in my lifetime.
Trump does not deliberately disrespect fallen military. Maybe he or his advisors should have known not to wear an informal hat. But a breach of etiquette is not a hanging offense.
Well actually there’s a lot more to the story of “feeling better” and “relative to what?” I am posting from the hospital. I’ll provide more details when I’m out.
Sorry to hear that. Best of luck to you.
I dunno, I think using pictures from a dignified transfer in fundraising emails is pretty damn disrespectful.