Is Sean Spicer in distress? The White House press secretary accidentally wore his flag pin upside down at a news conference Friday, until a reporter gave him a heads-up. The upside-down flag is traditionally a distress signal and call for help.
Fox News’ John Roberts opened up the question-and-answer segment of the briefing by teasing Spicer about the pin being upside-down and the press secretary quickly fixed it, seemingly unaware of the symbolic meaning of an upside-down-flag.
“John Roberts, always helpful with the fashion tips,” Spicer said as another reporter jokingly asked if it was a distress call.
https://twitter.com/SteveKopack/status/840274791236042753
Spicer, who has become a household name after being mocked by Melissa McCarthy on “Saturday Night Live,” continues to accidentally provide material for the comedy show. Spicer even poked fun at himself when he referenced attacking reporters with the podium, which McCarthy often does during her impersonation.
Trump and his surrogates have had an unusually combative relationship with the media, referring to the news industry as the “opposition party.” Trump has called out CNN as “fake news.”
However, Spicer has developed an at-times playful relationship with the press. He dubbed today’s briefing “One-Question Friday,” because of reporters’ tendency to ask multiple questions when called upon.
People on social media were quick to pick up on Spicer’s fashion mistake:
uh oh. is he signaling us? pic.twitter.com/Ba6kLHnnQ7
— Matt Negrin, HOST OF HARDBALL AT 7PM ON MSNBC (@MattNegrin) March 10, 2017
Sean Spicer's flag pin is upside down. pic.twitter.com/mYr1xJHHeg
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) March 10, 2017
Spicer's flag pin appears to be upside down. traditional SOS signal…
— Erik Wasson (@elwasson) March 10, 2017
I think we're all giving #Spicer too much credit for the upside down flag thing. He has no conscience or morals.
— Mark (@DrMark37) March 10, 2017
Sean spicer is so bad that he can't even put the flag pin on right.
— Nate Langston (@NateLangston93) March 10, 2017
Spicer's flag is upside down which is perfect for SNL to expand on…..#SOS pic.twitter.com/unDYpav86F
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) March 10, 2017
UPSIDE DOWN FLAG PIN! SPICER IS COMPROMISED! INITIATE OPERATION SPICER EVAC!!! pic.twitter.com/7Ujd4sb4eR
— Rex Huppke (@RexHuppke) March 10, 2017
https://twitter.com/morninggloria/status/840274021413507072
Spicer's USA flag pin is upside down. A silent scream for help? pic.twitter.com/A9UJdA1rzx
— Jennifer Bendery (@jbendery) March 10, 2017
Is Spicer's upside down flag lapel pin a distress signal? Blink twice if you need help, Sean. pic.twitter.com/hORrfBD94n
— Maggie Serota (@maggieserota) March 10, 2017
https://twitter.com/jacobjanssen/status/840285218275753984
Spicer wears US flag pin upside down.
Reporter asks if he is in distress?
Spicer says he feels fine.You CANNOT make this sh*t UP!!
— mj (@MJqqq) March 10, 2017
Wearing your flag pin upside-down? Is there something we need to know Mr Spicer? Are you in danger? Blink once for yes, twice for no.
— David Ahrens (@David_K_Ahrens) March 10, 2017