By Anna Skinner
Senior Writer, General Assignment
Former President Donald Trump raised his hand in a salute during the performance of "Amazing Grace" before the NASCAR Coca Cola 600 event in North Carolina on Sunday, a gesture that has been mocked across social media.
Trump is the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election. Both he and President Joe Biden have been criticized for various gaffes that have occurred during televised speeches or events. The criticism comes as many Americans have voiced concern about the competency of older politicians regarding whether age has affected their performance in their roles. The concern has prompted a call for politicians to pass cognitive tests to determine their ability, which Trump previously boasted of passing in 2018.
Trump has saluted during other musical tributes as well, such as the national anthem. However, some people believed that Trump's salute at the Sunday race cast doubt on his cognitive abilities. Newsweek reached out to Trump's campaign by email for comment.
"BREAKING: A clearly confused Donald Trump, after waving at a crowd that didn't exist, is now saluting for Amazing Grace," social media user @EllisTennyDOP posted on X, formerly Twitter, with a video. "Retweet so all Americans see this. It's time to put country over party and prioritize his health and our nation's stability."
— Ellis Tennyson🇺🇸💙 (@EllisTennyDOP) May 27, 2024BREAKING: A clearly confused Donald Trump, after waving at a crowd that didn't exist, is now saluting for Amazing Grace. Retweet so all Americans see this.
It's time to put country over party and prioritize his health and our nation's stability.#ProudBlue #DemVoice1 #DemsUnited pic.twitter.com/oKEHohkEBy
The 30-second video was aired live on Real America's Voice. It shows Trump saluting throughout the playing of "Amazing Grace."
"Trump is losing it with dementia. He's saluting during Amazing Grace. This is scary. He doesn't know where he is," The Daily Beast contributor Barry Markson posted.
Trump is losing it with dementia. He’s saluting during Amazing Grace. This is scary. He doesn’t know where he is. https://t.co/Ea9G9xC8Sd
— Barry Markson (@BarryMarkson1) May 27, 2024
"A clearly confused Donald Trump is saluting during Amazing Grace. Why won't the media cover his cognitive decline?" user @lukepbeasley posted.
A clearly confused Donald Trump is saluting during Amazing Grace. Why won’t the media cover his cognitive decline? pic.twitter.com/zuJM3ZRsiz
— Luke Beasley (@lukepbeasley) May 27, 2024
"A very confused and fatigued Donald Trump just saluted while Amazing Grace was playing," user @harryjsisson posted. "This guy has absolutely no idea what he's doing or what's going on around him. He definitely misses falling asleep in court every day!"
A very confused and fatigued Donald Trump just saluted while Amazing Grace was playing. This guy has absolutely no idea what he’s doing or what’s going on around him. He definitely misses falling asleep in court every day! pic.twitter.com/GD1fXngouD
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) May 27, 2024
"Confused Trump salutes during Amazing Grace. WTF?" Republicans Against Trump posted.
Confused Trump salutes during Amazing Grace. WTF? pic.twitter.com/IPcYKR5HRi
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) May 26, 2024
Other people criticizing the former president alleged that he didn't know the difference between "Amazing Grace" and the national anthem, in which military members and veterans should salute. Trump did not serve in the military.
Despite the criticism, thunderous applause welcomed Trump to the track on Sunday according to videos documenting his arrival. Other people also leapt to his defense for the salute.
"'Amazing Grace' is often part of traditional Memorial Day events. The hymn is played to honor and remember the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the armed forces of the country. Trump, a former Command in Chief, is being patriotic," one person posted on X.
— Bale 🇺🇸 (@balelorn2) May 27, 2024"Amazing Grace" is often part of traditional Memorial Day events. The hymn is played to honor and remember the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the armed forces of the country.
Trump, a former Command in Chief, is being patriotic.
"Amazing Grace is not the national anthem," another argued. "It's perfectly acceptable (and honourable) [sic] to salute during this beautiful homage."
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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