Donald Trump's administration is being criticized over a Union flag faux pas during King Charles' wreath-laying ceremony.
‘Bunch of Incompetents’: Trump Administration Faces Backlash Over Glaring Flag Error at King Charles Event
King Charles III and Queen Camilla were present at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on Thursday, April 30, to attend a wreath-laying ceremony.
However, the focus of the entire event centered on a single faux pas -- a United States service member displayed the Union flag upside down while standing behind the royal couple.
The mistake quickly became the major talking point of the event, as American soldiers marched behind the king and queen during the ceremony.
Social media users criticized President Donald Trump's administration over the error.
Journalist Points out Mistake in a Post on X
The final day of Charles and Camilla’s United States trip featured a visit at the Arlington National Cemetery.
They were present there in order to pay their respects to fallen soldiers.
The royal couple was surrounded by United States soldiers as they took the ceremonial walk.
A service member, standing right behind them, drew attention when it was noticed that he was holding the Union flag upside down.
Sky News journalist Mark Stone points out the Union flag faux pas in a post on X.
Sky News journalist Mark Stone was the first to point this out on his X account.
He wrote, “Rather a diplomatic gaff[e] by the Americans here,” sharing an image and a video of the mistake.
In another post, he shared an image of the flags to explain the counterchanging.
According to The Daily Beast, Trump's Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley oversaw the event. A number of critics blamed her for the flag gaffe at Arlington National Cemetery.
Notably, Crowley previously received criticism for curtsying to the king upon his arrival. Many claimed that her actions breached the royal etiquette.
Netizens React to Union Flag Gaffe
Social media users discussed the incident online.
One user posted on X, “Like the lack of history and geography, now a lack of flag etiquette. The whole administration is a bunch of incompetents, but great at being GOBSHIGHTS.”
An individual stated, “Why is anyone surprised? Name one person in this administration that is qualified. It's a [expletive] gong show.”
A third user commented, “Well, at least they got the UK flag and not the Australia flag this time...”
Another user wrote, “Was it a gaff[e] or was it done on purpose? Remember the beehive visit at the White House, that was intentional. The beehive dessert was intentional.”
“It's called being ignorant, and thick as [expletive]. They put up Australia flags, instead of Union Jacks, in preparation for the 'King's visit. That administration has the combined intellect of a potato. If you don't know, look it up!” an individual commented.