Trump Sparks Outrage with Offer to Fallen Soldier's Family

President Donald Trump has come under fire following his comments about a US soldier who was tragically killed in an Iranian strike last week. On July 17, the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan was struck by Iranian missile and drone strikes, resulting in the deaths of three US soldiers. The US Defense Department named them as Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Hawaii, Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Texas, and Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York. They were in Jordan as part of operations against the Islamic State militant group , becoming the first US casualties of strikes from Iran since March. Trump then attended the transfer ceremony for the four US service members killed in the conflict with Iran, which was held at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, calling it "the toughest thing I do." A fourth soldier, Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, from North Carolina, was said to have died during a controlled detonation of an Iranian drone in Iraq. Trump's "tribute" to Feehan The President made the trip to Wheeler High School in Marietta, Georgia, where he made a tribute to the late Feehan in particular. Speaking to the crowd, Trump explained that "one of the families" was traveling to Georgia as well, claiming that he said: "Well if you want, I'll give you a ride on Air Force One." He told the crowd that he offered Feehan's family the chance to fly with him back to the state, adding: "And they said, 'wow, wow'." The crowd then erupted into applause. Donald Trump's choice of words angered some listening in. Credit: Anna Moneymaker / Getty As part of Trump's speech, he said that the family were "heartbroken," pointing out that Feehan's parents and uncle were in attendance. "We will carry Tyler's memory in our hearts forever. And I just want to thank you. It's an honor to have you here today," he said. The 80-year-old added: "He's looking down right here, he's so proud. Together we are making our country safer and stronger and far more successful than it has ever been before. "That's happening before your very eyes. That's why I call it the golden age." Army 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan lost his life following Iranian strikes on the Jordanian base. Credit: US Department of War Reaction from the public It's fair to say that viewers were not impressed with Trump's claims, as one wrote on X: "Remembering fallen heroes keeps their legacy alive, but ending foreign conflicts must remain the top priority. Bringing our service members home safely is the ultimate way to honor them." Another said: "Disrespectful person, he's the one that's put lives in danger because of his illegal campaign against Iran!" A third claimed that Trump was "the reason" the soldier had died, but some weren't as critical of his speech. A different user described Trump's words as "so moving," adding: "God bless the soldier and his family." Following Feehan's untimely passing, his family released a statement about the late soldier. "Our hearts are shattered. Tyler James Feehan, our son, our 'Tivo,' was taken from us far too soon, alongside other American heroes lost or wounded in this same tragic attack," they stated. Featured image credit: Brandon Bell / Getty