A video recently went viral, causing quite a stir across social media platforms. It showed U.S. President Donald Trump seemingly neglecting to offer the traditional Marine One salute to two Marines as he exited the presidential helicopter on October 20. Straight up, this clip, widely shared on Bluesky, Facebook, X, and YouTube, has been verified as authentic, meaning it’s not some AI trickery or deepfake, no cap. The footage, captured at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, appears to confirm the former president did not salute the waiting Marines before heading to Air Force One for a trip to a North Carolina rally, as the article states.
Now, let’s talk turkey about this salute business. While it’s become standard practice for modern U.S. presidents to salute military personnel, especially when interacting with Marine One crews, there’s actually no official law or regulation that mandates it. Historically, President Ronald Reagan is widely credited with establishing this particular presidential etiquette, transforming it into a customary gesture of respect and acknowledgment. Before Reagan, presidents typically didn’t initiate the salute, often returning one if offered, but rarely giving the first greeting. This historical context from the article really puts the current buzz in perspective, showing it’s more about tradition than a hard-and-fast rule.
The incident on October 20 wasn’t just a quick blip, either. While the video specifically highlights the non-salute upon deboarding Marine One, further footage and photos reveal a more nuanced sequence of events. According to the report, after bypassing the initial salute to the Marines, Trump was later observed engaging cordially with another armed forces member while walking towards Air Force One, and even saluted that person. He then went on to salute Air Force airmen and other individuals possibly not visible in the frame before boarding the larger aircraft. It’s giving a moment of selective protocol, perhaps, or just an oversight amidst a busy travel schedule.
This kind of public scrutiny over presidential salutes isn’t exactly new territory. We’ve seen similar brouhahas involving other prominent figures. For example, former President Barack Obama had his own share of viral moments, like the time he saluted a Marine while holding a coffee cup, or another instance where he used a cellphone during a salute. These incidents, while seemingly minor, often ignite spirited debates about presidential decorum and respect for the armed forces, highlighting how closely the public watches these symbolic gestures.
Indeed, the article points out a similar situation from Trump’s first term, where a video famously showed him trying to retrieve a Marine’s ‘cover’ (that’s military slang for hat) after the wind blew it off, before walking up the steps to Marine One without saluting. These instances, whether intentional or accidental, tend to hit different with the public, sparking discussions about leadership style and respect for military tradition. It goes to show that even small gestures can carry heavy symbolic weight, especially when you’re the leader of the free world.
The intense focus on such details underscores the high expectations placed on U.S. presidents regarding their public conduct and interactions with the military. Every action, or indeed, inaction, is often dissected, particularly in a hyper-connected social media landscape where videos can go viral in minutes. For real, it’s a constant tightrope walk, and any deviation from perceived norms can quickly become a talking point, fueling both praise and criticism depending on where you stand.
If you enjoyed this article, share it with your friends or leave us a comment!
Adrian Velk is a global affairs journalist focused on breaking news, geopolitics, and societal trends. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy, he delivers timely reporting that helps readers understand the fast-moving world around them. His work blends factual depth with clear storytelling, making complex events accessible to a broad audience.
