Twitter erupted Tuesday after President Trump hugged an American flag as he exited the stage after speaking at a small business owners event.
Trump had spoken to the National Federation of Independent Businesses, during which he addressed issues such as immigration and small business policies, before he made the embrace.
Social media users were quick to criticize Trump for his show of patriotism in light of the administration’s controversial zero tolerance policy on illegal border crossings resulting in family separations.
“Perhaps we can issue small stuffed flags to the children in detention who are forbidden to hug each other?” one user wrote.
perhaps we can issue small stuffed flags to the children in detention who are forbidden to hug each other? https://t.co/0XrVPQqfED
— Charles Bergquist (@cbquist) June 19, 2018
“At least buy the flag dinner first, Mr. President. And get a room, man,” said lawyer Bradley Moss.
At least buy the flag dinner first, Mr. President. And get a room, man. https://t.co/V7EaKEQ9Na
— Bradley P. Moss (@BradMossEsq) June 19, 2018
“U.S. Flag Code states: “The flag should never touch anything beneath it…” another user chimed in.
U.S. Flag Code states: “The flag should never touch anything beneath it…”
Pretty sure Trump qualifies. https://t.co/tHW7igQnSS
— Seth Pollack (@sethpo) June 19, 2018
This is not the first time Trump has hugged a flag. Here’s another instance from 2016. Note the aggressive shake. pic.twitter.com/mX92tx8UqV
— Marcus Gilmer (@marcusgilmer) June 19, 2018
“Every protesting NFL player should hug a flag with a dopey grin on their face so Trump can’t do it anymore,” said another.
Every protesting NFL player should hug a flag with a dopey grin on their face so Trump can’t do it anymore.
— Sean Thomason (@TheThomason) June 19, 2018
One individual pointed out the administration’s plans to exit the the UN Human Rights Council.
Trump hugs American flag as he plans US exit from UN Human Rights Council… https://t.co/t0vFDI6IFQ https://t.co/j7xlhIw8tO
— Kerry Eleveld (@kerryeleveld) June 19, 2018
Another user shared a video of Trump years ago admitting he didn’t know what the 13 stripes on the flag represent.
Whenever Trump hugs a flag, I think of thispic.twitter.com/nlltR4uNTy
— Brian Tashman (@briantashman) June 19, 2018
This isn’t the first time the president has embraced the American flag; Trump hugged the flag multiple times while on the campaign trail in 2016. One instance took place at a campaign event in Florida, shown below:
