Trump mistakes American flag for blanket in awkward Oval Office moment: 'I could use that at night'

WASHINGTON, DC: An Oval Office bill signing on Friday, September 5, turned awkward when President Donald Trump appeared to mistake a folded American flag for a blanket.

The incident unfolded after Trump signed H.R. 2808, the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act, legislation aimed at safeguarding Americans’ personal data during the homebuying process.

Trump mistakes folded American flag for blanket in Oval Office blunder

Following the signing, Rep John Rose (R-Tenn), the bill’s sponsor, stepped forward to present Donald Trump with a gift. “I’d like to leave you with this gift from a constituent back in Tennessee,” Rose said, handing over a US flag wrapped in plastic.

Examining the item, Trump responded enthusiastically: “Oh, I could use that at night,” as he turned it over in his hands at the Resolute Desk. Rose quickly interjected to clarify, gently reminding the president: “It’s an American flag.”

Rep John Rose praises legislation before awkward exchange

Before presenting the flag, Rep John Rose highlighted the importance of the new law, which prohibits the sale of sensitive consumer data tied to home purchases.

“For years, their private, personal information has been bought and sold in the open market, resulting in countless unwanted calls and texts,” he explained. “With your signature today, Americans can pursue the dream of homeownership without being harassed.”

Trump praised Rose’s work, calling the measure a “great job” and “a great honor.” He then signed the bill with his trademark black Sharpie, proudly holding it aloft for photographers before the exchange over the flag created an unexpected distraction.

Internet mocks Trump over flag blunder

Clips of the moment quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), where users ridiculed Donald Trump for apparently confusing the national symbol with a household item.

One wrote, “Trump really thought that was a quilt. Lmao,” while another quipped, “He had NO IDEA what it was.”

A person said, “What does he want to use the US flag at night for? The mind boggles,” while someone else asked, “Would this be considered desecration of the American flag?” while pointing out the irony given Trump’s recent executive order criminalizing damage to the flag.

One more asked, “Use it at night for what exactly?” while another remarked, "If this was Biden I can think of a few people that would be up in arms." 

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