At a Super Bowl party last Sunday, President Donald Trump was seen on video fidgeting, chatting and waving his arms pretending to conduct an orchestra during a performance of the national anthem. The short video was posted to Instagram, which was allegedly taken, “by a real estate agent for a Russian-American firm who frequents Mar-a-Lago,” according to the Miami Herald, which first reported the story. In the video, most of the other guests at the event, held at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, were showing proper etiquette during the anthem – facing the flag with their right hand on their chest. This behavior is not just for good manners, either – how one should address the flag during the national anthem is enshrined in The Flag Code, the official United States regulations regarding every detail about the Stars and Stripes. It should be noted, however, that ignoring or breaking the Code has no legal consequences. 

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While other guests were showing proper flag etiquette in the video, Trump was not. At first, Trump is simply standing with his arms by his side, but then he starts chatting with another guest. He then fidgets and soon after gestures with his arms as if he were conducting an orchestra. Then, Trump moves his chair around and then stands in front of it, appearing as if he’s preparing to sit down. After that, the video ends. Melania Trump, who was standing right beside the President, showed proper flag etiquette throughout the video – although it appears Melania placed her left hand on her chest, the video is mirrored.

In the past, Trump has been critical of those who do not stand during the national anthem, particularly in response to football players who “take a knee” in protest. “You have to stand, proudly, for the national anthem or you shouldn’t be playing. You shouldn’t be there. Maybe you shouldn’t be in the country,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News.

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