President Donald Trump has a history of breaking protocol at ceremonial events and putting his name on buildings with which he has no prior ties. His unconventional approach has sparked debates over the boundaries between presidential branding, tradition, and personal promotion. Trump again d rew attention for an unusual protocol moment during the recent high-profile ceremony surrounding Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the White House. President Xi and President Donald Trump shared a twinning moment outside the White House before a female soldier stepped in and stole the spotlight. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images) When Xi arrived, the two leaders looked as if they had coordinated their outfits in advance. Both wore blue suits and purple ties. Even Trump departed from his usual look, swapping his trademark red tie for the occasion. ‘Going to Let This One Speak for Itself’: Trump Gets Exposed After New Footage Blows Up a Claim He’s Repeated for Years — and Critics Say It’s Worse Than Anyone Thought Their outfits matched. However, the choreography on the U.S. side of the balcony needed a little more work. Below, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon was preparing to perform, with every movement designed to be precise and perfectly synchronized. On the balcony, the president appeared to wait for a cue before making a move he often enjoys. Trump stood alongside First Lady Melania Trump, Xi and Xi’s wife, Peng Liyuan, as they watched the review. At one point, a servicewoman took three measured steps as she approached him. After the third step, she touched his arm, though it’s unclear why. A few seconds later, Trump raised his hand in a salute, leading viewers to wonder whether she was reminding him. One social media user wrote, “Looks like the Trumps had a rough night.” Another noticed, “He has to be reminded of the thing that he doesn’t have to do. The fact that his nervous system keeps him alive is a wonder.” The footage does not reveal what the servicewoman said to Trump in the moment. But it does show the U.S. president saluting after she approached. One person supplied a play-by-play: “A female officer came over and moved his elbow as a reminder. Damn…. he’s not gonna be happy when he finds out. Poor schmuck.” Another suggested Trump would tell XI, “You see that I spoiled that too. The plot twist: Trump did not need to salute. The Marines were saluting him in his capacity as president. The moment also carried an added layer of irony, given that Trump never served in the military after receiving five deferments during the Vietnam War era. “Saluting what? He’s never served in the military. He should salute nothing,” another Threads user wrote. It was a curious addition to Trump’s collection of salute clips. At another event during Xi’s visit, Trump photographed saluting during the national anthem while people nearby stood with their hands over their hearts. He faced similar criticism after saluting at a basketball game in June. Trump seemed ready with a salute on those occasions. On the balcony, he appeared to wait until someone stepped in. “His brain is mush. He salutes when he is not supposed to and doesn’t when he is supposed to… [mess] for brains,” one person posted. Another viewer skipped the protocol lesson: “He’s such a f—ing embarrassment my God!!!!” Federal guidance draws a clear distinction for conduct during the national anthem. Service members in uniform and veterans may render a military salute. Non-veteran civilians are expected to stand at attention with their right hand over their heart. Trump never served in the military, placing him in the civilian category under the advisory guidelines. The rule explains the criticism of his anthem salutes, though it does not make Thursday’s return salute an official violation. The scrutiny has followed him through other ceremonies, too. Last September, Trump remained seated while handing presidential challenge coins to Marines in the Oval Office. Critics called the presentation sloppy and disrespectful. His visit with King Charles III brought another awkward moment during an honor guard procession, reminding viewers of 2018, when Trump walked ahead of Queen Elizabeth II during a ceremonial review. Then there are the moments when critics have questioned whether he was paying attention at all. At a Memorial Day ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in May, footage showed Trump standing with his eyes closed before making a sudden movement. Some viewers accused him of dozing off. A short clip could not prove he was asleep, but it was enough to spark another argument over his conduct at a solemn event. In March, Trump drew criticism for wearing a white “USA” baseball cap at a dignified transfer honoring fallen service members. Footage of him walking during the ceremony prompted more heated discourse online about his physical and mental health. Many just believe he doesn’t have respect for the office. The backlash from Thursday’s salute says plenty about Trump’s reputation at official ceremonies. One awkward moment is enough to send viewers back through his record — keeping alive the debate over whether he knows when and how to adhere to standard protocols. View on Threads ‘You See That?’: Trump’s Twinning Moment With Xi Distracts Viewers — Until a Female Soldier’s Surprise Touch Steals the Show ...read more read less