Donald Trump’s disturbing behavior during the National Anthem on Memorial Day
Donald Trump seems to be struggling with most of the basics of acting like a President, thus embarrassing the United States in regular fashion. But participating in the National Anthem at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day today seemed to be something that even he couldn’t find a way to screw up. Not so fast.
Part way through the National Anthem today, Donald Trump began smiling and swaying, with seemingly no idea of the solemn nature of the ceremony in which he was participating, or the fact that he was in a cemetery for U.S. soldiers. Then be began singing the second half of the anthem in over enunciated fashion, while smiling and looking around in different directions. And he went silent for a few words here and there for unknown reasons.
Watch this display put on by Donald Trump today, and you tell us if there’s validity to the concerns that Palmer Report has been consistently raising about a seemingly rapid decline in Trump’s physical and mental well being since the start of his overseas trip (link):
The historical reference that immediately comes to mind was when former President George W. Bush appeared at a memorial service for murdered policemen in Dallas in 2016 and began cheerfully singing while swaying his arms, with no awareness that he was at a solemn event. Many questioned whether the incident was a sign that his mental competence may have been in decline.
We also saw earlier this year that Donald Trump couldn’t remember to put his hand over his heart during the National Anthem, and had to be reminded by his wife. But Secretary of Defense James Mattis either wasn’t aware of Trump’s disturbing antics today while standing next to him during the anthem, or he had no desire to correct his boss. If you’re a regular reader, feel free to support Palmer Report
Bill Palmer is the publisher of the political news outlet Palmer Report