President Donald Trump Faces Backlash After Snapping Military Salute During National Anthem Again

President Donald Trump is facing fresh backlash after yet another awkward moment during “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The moment occurred on Thursday, September 24, as Trump, 80, welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House for a state visit. As both the Chinese national anthem, “March of the Volunteers,” and the American anthem played, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were seen with their hands over their hearts.

Trump, however, snapped a crisp military salute, per NewsMobile.

Federal law lays out guidelines for conduct during the national anthem. Under 36 U.S. Code § 301, individuals in uniform should salute, while members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are not in uniform may also salute. Most other people should stand at attention with their right hand over their heart.

Even though the president serves as commander in chief of the U.S. Armed Forces, he’s still a civilian.

Former president Ronald Reagan is widely credited as the first president who popularized civilian salutes, but Reagan actually served in the military from 1937 to 1945.

This isn’t the first time Trump’s saluting habit has raised eyebrows. In June, he was seen saluting during the national anthem at Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

And just one day before the Jinping ceremony, Trump was again caught saluting as Jinping touched down at Joint Base, while those around him kept it traditional with hands over their hearts, according to footage shared by Asia One News.