Trump’s salute during Super Bowl national anthem had some fans question flag protocol
President Donald Trump made history on Sunday as the first sitting commander-in-chief to attend a Super Bowl.
His military salute to the flag during the national anthem got the attention of some viewers who wondered whether presidents are supposed to do that, or whether it’s a question of prior military service.
One user on X asked, “Is Trump allowed to salute? Does a president get to salute even if they never served?”
Others with Trump during the national anthem, which was performed by seven-time Grammy winner Jon Baptise, held their right hand over their heart. Trump stood between his daughter, Ivanka, and New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson.
Did Trump serve in the U.S military?
Donald Trump, who attended a military boarding school as a child, has no record of military service. He was drafted while attending college during the Vietnam War, but he was granted four deferments to continue his education, in addition to an extra one due to bone spurs in both heels.
Before his 2016 inauguration, Trump was the only person elected to the country’s highest position who had never held prior public office or served in the military.
Is it unlawful to salute the flag during the national anthem?
There is no law that explicitly forbids individuals from gesturing a military salute during the national anthem.
However, the U.S. Flag Code and conventions have historically required that only uniformed military personnel deliver the military salute when the national anthem plays. Civilians are to stand at attention with their right hand over their heart. Veterans and service members not in uniform may salute during the national anthem if they so desire, thanks to legislation adopted about 15 years ago.
The president is a civilian, but he or she is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces. That is why members of the military always salute the president. But for most of America’s history, the president did not return the salute.
That changed with President Ronald Reagan, and it has been a tradition ever since that the commander-in-chief has the discretion to salute. This choice reflects the unique position of the presidency, bridging both civilian and military roles.
