Donald Trump's 'Army' salute during national anthem at Super Bowl sparks controversy

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: President Donald Trump became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl and was accompanied by his daughter Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, and Lara Trump at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday, February 9. However, it was his salute during the national anthem that garnered much controversy.

Notably, the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 to secure the franchise’s second Super Bowl championship and shattered the Chiefs’ quest for a Super Bowl three-peat on Sunday.

Donald Trump's salute during national anthem at Super Bowl

During the Chiefs vs Eagles game, President Trump was seen in a salute during the national anthem performance by Jon Batiste before Super Bowl LIX kicked off. When Trump was shown in the stadium, a loud cheer was heard from the crowd.

Notably, the POTUS was seen standing in between New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson, and Ivanka, during the national anthem, which also received a loud roar from the crowd before the kickoff, per Fox News.

President Trump confirmed on Sunday that he would attend the Super Bowl in New Orleans and released a message expressing his excitement at seeing the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles go against each other in the “Big Game” once again, according to the outlet.

Trump said in a statement, “I look forward to joining the fans in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX to cheer on two great teams – the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles – as they battle for the National Football League’s Vince Lombardi Trophy.”

Interestingly, Trump was seen roaming the sidelines in the build-up to the Chiefs vs Eagles game, per a report by ABC News.

Before the game, Trump gave his prediction as he spoke to Fox News’ Bret Baier, “I guess you have to say that when a quarterback wins as much as he’s won, I have to go with Kansas City — I have to go with Kansas City. At the same time, Philadelphia is just fantastic.”

Trump sparks controversy for his salute during national anthem at Super Bowl

Even though Trump’s salute received a loud cheer from the crowd in New Orleans, there were many people on the internet who found it to be not the right gesture to be done by the POTUS.

A user wrote on X, “Why is he standing like that? He didn’t even serve in the military. That’s hilarious,” while one added, “The hand over the heart gesture is really difficult for him.”

A person also stated, “Donald Trump better be sitting during this military salute moment tbh,” whereas one mentioned, “Why does Donald Trump salute, is he an army vet?”

Meanwhile, others believed that Trump is the Commander in Chief and he can salute during the national anthem. A user also wrote, “They didn’t boo him. They cheered very loudly. He is expected to salute as he is commander in chief. It is his duty,” while one commented, “Hes literally the Commander-In-Chief of the entire United States Military.”

A person added, “He is the Commander-in-Chief is obligated to salute. Try to keep up.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online