Gold Star Families Boycott Trump Reception Over Iran War

Families of six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers killed in a March 1 Iranian drone strike at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, declined to attend a White House reception hosted by Donald Trump on Tuesday. The event honored nearly 40 fallen service members, but the boycott highlights a growing divide over the administration's handling of the conflict with Iran.

The Port Shuaiba attack occurred during Operation Epic Fury, following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites on February 28. The strike killed six soldiers, including Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan. Survivors of the attack claim they had previously raised concerns about insufficient air protection at the site.

Bereaved families expressed anger toward the United States Department of the Army and the Pentagon for failing to release the findings of an investigation completed in June. While the Army stated it is still redacting sensitive information, families like those represented by Joey Amor have demanded transparency regarding the decisions made leading up to the attack. Families also criticized President Trump for describing the conflict as "small potatoes" and a "little excursion," arguing that such language downplays the loss of life. The broader war has resulted in 19 U.S. troop deaths and over 800 injuries.