Whoopi Goldberg and her co-hosts on The View criticized Donald Trump over what they viewed as inappropriate conduct during a recent dignified transfer ceremony.
After fighting broke out involving Iran, the US, and Israel, at least seven American service members were reported killed.
Trump and senior figures in his administration publicly honored those who died during the Middle East operation, which was named Operation Epic Fury.
But Trump drew backlash online following his appearance at a dignified transfer on March 7.
Footage from Dover Air Force Base showed Trump saluting as the soldiers’ caskets were returned to the US.
Critics, however, focused on the fact that he kept a white “USA” hat on during the ceremony.
Goldberg addressed the moment during the show’s opening discussion.
She said: “When those caskets came off the plane, take your damn hat off. Take your damn hat off.”
The studio audience responded with applause after her remarks.
She continued: “I didn’t understand why nobody pulled his coat tail and said [something]. Just out of respect.”
Co-host Sunny Hostin echoed the criticism and contrasted the moment with what she described as former President Barack Obama’s approach to similar ceremonies during his administration.
Elsewhere, social media users also condemned Trump for leaving the hat on.
One user wrote: “Politics aside, the fallen deserve our absolute respect. No hats, no excuses.”
Another added: “This fool has ABSOLUTELY no sense of dignity or appreciation for the moment.”
With a third writing: “It is called the Dignified Transfer for a reason. Take your damn hat off!!”
While another commented: “I condemn Donald Trump for refusing to remove his hat during a moment meant to honor our fallen. As a veteran, I find it deeply disrespectful to the men and women who died in combat defending this country. Basic respect for the fallen should never be partisan.”
Speaking later at his Doral Golf Club in Miami on Saturday, Trump referred to the service members as “great heroes”.
He said: “Very sad situation to greet the families of the heroes coming home from Iran — coming home in a different manner than they thought they’d be coming home.
“Sadly, there will likely be more. Before it ends, that’s the way it is. Likely be more.”