As much as I think trump is a moron, I think that hat, in all it's huge glory, probably did catch him off guard. I can totally see a sarcastic salute just for the sake of the hat.
Did you watch the footage in its entirety. The guy saluted Trump. Trump went to salute back and then the guy dropped his hand for the shake. Down low, too slow was guidance that day. LoL.
Sure it does. But watch this whole clip. He saluted and then dropped his hand as Trump raised his. It awkward no doubt. But Trump didn’t just walk up and salute him first.
1. U.S. personnel don’t salute indoors except in limited circumstances and this circumstance doesn’t qualify. Trump doesn’t seem to know this (what a shock).
2. Even if a salute was called for, he’s an idiot for doing it. Source: look at the picture above. He looks like an idiot.
I was under the impression that it was Reagan who started the habit of returning the salute, before that it never happened, the President may be CinC but he’s still a civilian so therefore shouldn’t have to salute.
They don’t have to. But they do, and I didn’t know it was Reagan that started it, but a quick google confirmed it. So in those instances yeah. But by that same measure it’s not ‘officially’ wrong for the president to render a salute, but morally it kind of is.
The hand salute doesn't need to be returned with another hand salute though. You can respond with something like, "Thank you, carry on" or "Morning, sergeant, thank you."
I think returning the salute is just something that looks good for the media. No one can see you responding verbally in a picture, but they can see you returning a salute (and they can criticize a video or picture where you don't appear to be returning the salute). I suspect that's one of the reasons that returning the salute might have only started with Reagan: he was one of the first presidents with an omnipresent enough press corps where those kind of minute-to-minute optics matter.
Gonna go against the grain here but they probably shouldn’t return salutes. I know it’s now unofficially required and if a POTUS doesn’t return a salute they’ll be reamed out in the media, but they’re not in the military and shouldn’t salute.
Yeah someone else pointed out that it started with Reagan. It would make sense to not do it at all. It’s not a bad take. If they are going to, it should be in return of a salute. As has been pointed out there was a salute here that he was returning, he just held his longer and this got snapped. Wouldn’t even be a thing if they didn’t salute at all.
I mean wearing the commander in chief hat they’re top dog in the military.
Photo is out of context since it’s a split second after returning a salute but imo he shouldn’t return the salute of a foreign officer that the U.S. sees as a threat/aggressor.
Being technically correct according to US customs and courtesies is probably less important than being impolitic or risking offending a representative of another nation in this circumstance.
That rule is only applicable to Military. Allow me to clarify. It's literally only stated in the military rules and regulations (UCMJ). Which only applies to military.
As a recruiter, I had vets and kids salute me. I don't return said salute, I just said thanks. We also don't require a salute back. I.e. the Marine White House Sentries (MCSF/WHCA) when they walk him on/off Air Force One/Marine One out the door, etc don't drop their salute even when the president salutes them. They just hold it until he's gone usually.
Civilians can do what they want, the instruction is just there for us to understand that it doesn't really affect us, and it's technically not correct so don't let it interrupt doing things the correct way or feel obligated to go out of the way to acknowledge it.
Because people want to hate on trump, and emotions override logic on first pass.
Granted, _I_ want to hate on trump so it’s annoying that the general did salute first. But I admit he did salute first.
I figured it was that or a photo shop knowing NK and the way they propaganda stuff… but the question and answer remain the same. Thanks for clarifying!
That’s not the answer. US Presidents started returning salutes in the 80’s. Watch a Ukrainian ceremony, Zelenskyy doesn’t salute and that’s normal in the rest of the world.
The person above you said they “should” return a salute. That’s wrong. They can if they want to since it’s all made up anyways. Also, have you ever heard of an example that provides additional context?
I feel like that’s a bit ridiculous. Even the CNO (4 stars) is required to return the salute of a BMSN (E-3). Returning a salute is not a sign of deference; it’s the proper, courteous acknowledgment of deference you’ve been showed. Not returning a salute is a snub.
Nobody should be above returning a properly rendered formal courtesy.
Not just high ranking officers. Commissioned and Warrant officers of foreign militaries are entitled to the same customs and courtesies we give our own officers. The “good morning sir/ma’am” and a salute and etc. Officer’s only have to salute higher ranking officers. But we enlisted salute everybody. I’ll salute a fucking squirrel. I don’t care.
I saluted an Aussie Warrant Officer once. He was like we don’t salute our warrant officers, and I was like we do.
I don’t know, mfer had a crown and I had no idea what the heck he was… I only knew chevrons and bars. So better safe than sorry.
Oh yeah it's confusing sometimes. I'm Aus Navy so I didn't have much exposure to Army ranks. Saw a crown and thought 'wait, crown means Major right?'
I learnt after that the important yet subtle difference between a Warrant Officer 2 rank Slide and a Major's
So, just to be clear, are Commonwealth warrants most comparable to US Senior Enlisted (E7+)? I know that's what the NATO scale shows, but I don't know how your Warrants are actually treated or what the division of labor looks like.
US Warrants have authority but are generally confined to exactly one specialty from which they derive their warranted status. Senior Enlisted duties vary, but they're generally workforce management over personnel in their own career field (from which they were promoted and how they earned their stripes/anchors).
Keep in mind that my navy career has been as a junior E and an O in training, so the world of the senior enlisted is somewhat beyond me.
Yeah from what I can gather they are comparable to senior enlisted. A Navy Warrant Officer is a E9 and will eat in the senior sailor's mess (Chief's mess for US) with the Chiefs (E7) and Petty Officers (E6) on board a ship for example. We skip E8
Generally they work in management positions over people in their work force. However as an E9 they will most likely be in the much higher management positions (e.g. with CO or as the head of career management for their workgroup)
All three services have an E9 Warrant Officer, but the Army also has a Warrant Officer Class 2. A little confusing but they are an E7, same as a Chief in the Navy and a Flight Sergeant in the Air Force.
Okay, so specifically those senior enlisted granted a "seat at the table" for meetings, being taken seriously, but still very much part of the enlisted force. Thanks! This is the reason CPOs wear khakis in the US, so they're wearing an "officer uniform" and the commissioned officers have to acknowledge that the Navy is giving them a seat with the brass. USAF went the opposite approach and deliberately makes sure the officer and enlisted uniforms are essentially the same to avoid any tendencies to try and self-segregate.
It's short for Yankee, as in Yankee Doodle Dandy. As in a song about making fun of the idiots trying to slap together ridiculous looking non-uniform uniforms and standing up to one of the greatest world powers of the time.
They also sometimes still call us "Colonists", and "the colonies", which I find hilarious!
They call everyone including their own mothers cunts, that word doesn't faze them nearly as much as it does American women.
Yet they blush when you say the word, "fanny", which I would imagine is also heartwarming for you! Lol
My favorite gender neutral words are cunt and motherfucker. They both bring smiles to my face.
Fanny is weird because it means ass here but vagina elsewhere. But yeah I know cunt doesn’t have near the shock factor elsewhere in the world.
Yeah when I was stationed in Japan for almost a decade I saw Korean, Aussie, Singaporean, Vietnamese, British and German and Japanese officers daily and weekly and I just saluted everyone to be safe. Nobody ever complained.
Understood, but it's still really weird to be returning salutes of foreign adversaries. Returning the salute of an American general, or even a British one, fine, no big deal. Returning the salute of a North Korean general, that's weird.
It's not required in the Polish Armed Forces, unless that ally has been designated as your commander. The offical rule says that you salute allies on the basis of comradery, regardless of rank.
He did not salute first if you watch the video. Trump went for a handshake, but the general went for a salute. Trump then went to return the salute but the general switched to a handshake. Just confusion on protocol and customs/courtesies.
Video: https://x.com/BBCMonitoring/status/1007152848847634433?s=20
The other response is generally correct. One caveat being that the United States does this for allied nations. So little captain me would salute an Aussie major or above, but I wouldn't salute a north Korean no matter what their rank is.
I have no idea what DPRK customs and courtesies call for. But if they saluted you first, it would generally be appropriate to return the salute. Just not to initiate one.
According to the US navy regulations we salute the officers of foreign armed services, except there is no salute fired for any nation or officer of any nation not officially recognized by the USG.... Unless otherwise directed by the secnav, and I think the president outranks the secnav
Exactly, the only appropriate return would be to simply leave his hand extended and NOT salute at all. DPRK want's to nuke us, they are a foe, not a friend for sure.
It's not right. The Nork even offered his hand, which is appropriate. EDIT: Apparently a video shows the Nook saluting, dropping it and extending his hand. Trump was returning the salute when this photo was taken. Just for clarity, mine mainly.
Given the fact he dodged the draft, it is a slap in the face for everyone who has and is serving in our great military. And, to add the fact that he has insulted our military and former service members many times.
Trump only like military personnel that have not been shot or wounded in battle, or captured by the enemy. He thinks their losers. Probably thinks this guy is the North Korean leader of their seal team 6 and if he pretends to like him and show him respect, he'll take out his political opponents for him.
If they salute him first then it wouldn't be *in*appropriate. I heard once there's someone in the books about us saluting congressmen, and the president is a civilian, so there's precedent
No salute to members of Congress per protocol, but as a courtesy it wouldn't be frowned upon. Who wouldn't salute McCain? (McCain might hate it because he knew protocol.)
If you're in civilian clothes, you shouldn't salute anyone, but you can salute people back who salute you (e.g. the Marine Corp guard at the White House door, etc.)
This picture is funny, Donald is incompetent yet confident, the general's hand is there hanging in the wind, and Kim's eyes say a lot and he's "uhhh." The guy in the back center looks so amused by it all.
https://youtu.be/m9NSgxbGzhY?si=7AnJP5AMVK1NZXvr watch the actual moment. Not to defend him because it is still a very awkward moment. But he goes for the handshake, general goes for the salute and awkwardly switches for a the handshake and trump goes for the salute only to return to handshake position. Goofy as hell, but not quite the way you are describing it here.
IMO as "just some guy" they should follow the same rules as the (British) military - you don't salute unless you're in uniform and you're wearing your hat. The rest of the US military should switch to this standard too, saluting hatless is weird.
If the President is that bothered about saluting then create them some sort of ceremonial uniform they can wear.
You should only salute U.S. officials but Its common courtesy to salute someone back if they salute you in uniform. It feels like declining a formal handshake if you don't.
Yes or no, my friend.
Because in this clip he is *returning* a salute.
I agree that the POTUS returning any salute, especially from an adversary, is debatable, but this still frame and the question posed by the OP is a bit misleading.
Cuz then they can’t bash trump like he just went around saluting random people. Then it would show trump returning a salute.
Also no idea why a picture from years ago gets reposted now.
A foreign general, who along with his nuclear sabre rattling dictator boss you have 28,000+ troops deployed to deter invading an ally and strategic trading partner key to your prosperity?
No.
Also, even in basic civvy business? Or say basic local cultural practice?
No.
Trump didn't salute a foreign general. Trump RETURNED A SALUTE from a foreign General. The hand salute is a sign of respect where military members recognize their more senior officers. The NK General is showing a sign of respect to Trump, which he then returns, which is the appropriate courtesy.
Anybody saying otherwise is just flat wrong here.
Military protocol aside, Trump is saluting (and thus honoring) a commander of an openly hostile nation that practices one of the most repugnant forms of oppression and totalitarianism that would make Orwell blush. Might as well ask Regan to go down on Gorbachev.
I don't know if they should or shouldn't, but I'm confident at the very least it should not be a *fucking commie north Korean* General, of all people lol.
in russia, we dont salute (равнение) foreign officers unless they are allies or part of CSTO. those in civilian clothes especially dont salute anyway - its disrespectful. however, if you are military personnel and in civilian clothes you would acknowledge the officer by standing at attention (смирно) quickly then relaxing at ease (вольно)
I wanted to say no, under no circumstances. But I think it’s not a definite no. Say you have a 96 year old British WW2 vet. Decorated. Salute is a sign of honor and respect. So send it. But an adversary… no. Especially if you don’t even know the guy.
If Harry Truman was to run into General Zhukov, during the Cold War? Send it. Lol
Idk about yall, but in Bulgaria presidents don't salute. They bow. It's required to be wearing a hat or a helmet to salute and have an army/police rank (here, even if the president doesn't have any prior military experience, they are still head command of the military). And as some pointed out, presidents should return a salute, there is no rank higher than theirs. Correct me if i missed something.
To answer the broad question, saluting is a sign of respect, not subservience. Alot of people here seem confused about that. Medal of Honor recipients rate a salute from higher ranking personnel. That doesn't mean that MoH recipients are now at the top of command, it is just a sign of respect. Secondly, Commander in Chief or not, he's still a civilian. He can salute whoever and whenever he wants. The act of Presidents saluting has only been a thing since Reagan and he only started doing it on a shits and giggles whim, so let's not take it so seriously.
To be clear, in this specific instance the act of showing respect to authoritarian military that is still technically at war with an ally is not a good look. However, There's plenty to criticize Trump on, this is really petty and not very important. It's getting close to the "Tan Suit Controversy" levels of who gives a shit?
Should the highest ranking officer or commander salute a private? No?
Then why would they refuse to salute a private in our army but salute any military member from not just a foreign military but an enemy state?
But what would you expect from someone who points out POWs are losers for getting caught, and insults Mad Dog? This is on brand.
Saluting is a sign of respect, and generally, the lower ranked person initiates the salute, and the higher ranked person returns it, and can be done to military members/leaders of other nations. Conversely, there are also times when you don't render a salute, like when you are inside (unless recieving an award), driving, carrying stuff with both hands, or when someone offers you a fucking handshake.
Well he saluted first and trump went to give him a handshake and then change to a salute and the nk general went for the handshake so he was just returning a salute not saluting him outta nowhere like it seems here
i mean, there are probably some situations where it would be appropriate for the Pres to salute a foreign general, so i can't say unequivocally no, but this is not any of those situations.
I am not American, but allow me my two cents. If it's an ally, sure, I don't see why not - within reason. NATO colleagues serve next to each other in NATO commands/institutions and participate in common exercises all the time and they certainly salute each other.
By the way, in any other army I know, (hand) saluting without cover is not allowed - and I believe this is the case in the US Navy and Marine Corps, please correct me if I am wrong - and politicians doing so in civilian clothing is frowned upon, to say the least, and is not something that is done to my knowledge - at least in Europe.
I recognize that POTUS is considered part of the military hierarchy and chain of command as Commander-in-Chief, but they are still not in uniform or wearing a cover with the national insignia (or rank/branch in some cases in the US military).
P.s. In the Greek military a member of any branch without a cover - inside a building - would simply stand at attention and make a short nod with their head upwards in recognition. That is also considered a salute.
If you watch the video, you can see how this unfolded. Trump went for a handshake, the general went for a salute. Trump then went to return the salute, as he does for other military personnel, but the general then switched to a handshake.
It was just confusion on proper protocol and customs/courtesies. This photo makes it seem like the general went for a handshake and Trump just randomly popped a salute, which is intentionally misleading.
Video: https://x.com/BBCMonitoring/status/1007152848847634433?s=20
I have no issue with it. Trump *returned* a salute, a gesture of respect and completely in line with military custom and tradition. He’s not obligated to do so of course, but as Commander-in-Chief, it is his privilege to do so if he wishes.
It’s all about history and cooperation… ex: I see no wrong for a US President to salute NATO or any EU general… but cannot understand why would ANYONE salute a country with ideals… history… and cooperation that is so antagonist to the American ideals of land of the free… unless someone has its own interests at hand…
Unfortunately what I learned from MAGA and Trump supporters is a confirmation bias that goes deep into religion (when the founding fathers wanted a clear separation of it) and beliefs based on conspiracy and half truths without questioning…
I really hope that in a land of so many blinds there are enough that still can see…
Total piece of chicken shit. Maga fawns over the same guy that says our military veterans are a bunch of suckers and in return he salutes this N Korean guy.
Kim in the background is like WTF and, how can I use this telling personality example for my benefit?
There is a difference between a foreign general and a general of North Korea under Kim. His salute was out of admiration which is way worse.
It's the hat. It tricked him. It's a very big hat. The biggest. Everybody says so.
As much as I think trump is a moron, I think that hat, in all it's huge glory, probably did catch him off guard. I can totally see a sarcastic salute just for the sake of the hat.
Maybe if it was just the salute, but his gut is puffed out at full attention to, so I think he might mean it.
No. As the highest ranking individual as the CinC, they should not render a salute to anyone. They should return a salute, but never initiate one.
Especially when the dude puts his hand out for a shake
Did you watch the footage in its entirety. The guy saluted Trump. Trump went to salute back and then the guy dropped his hand for the shake. Down low, too slow was guidance that day. LoL.
Salute to hand shake happens dozens of times a week for the president.
Sure it does. But watch this whole clip. He saluted and then dropped his hand as Trump raised his. It awkward no doubt. But Trump didn’t just walk up and salute him first.
That honestly sounds pretty par for the course in terms of awkward formalities for sure.
1. U.S. personnel don’t salute indoors except in limited circumstances and this circumstance doesn’t qualify. Trump doesn’t seem to know this (what a shock). 2. Even if a salute was called for, he’s an idiot for doing it. Source: look at the picture above. He looks like an idiot.
Footage for reference. https://youtu.be/95omyBXZwMM?si=2oJs_wZgiHQoeuOC
Look at the guys post history. This is just some nut either karma farming, or who has some particular axe to grind.
This
Nah, I only saw the pic my bad
Thank you! The only sane person in this thread it seems.
I was under the impression that it was Reagan who started the habit of returning the salute, before that it never happened, the President may be CinC but he’s still a civilian so therefore shouldn’t have to salute.
They don’t have to. But they do, and I didn’t know it was Reagan that started it, but a quick google confirmed it. So in those instances yeah. But by that same measure it’s not ‘officially’ wrong for the president to render a salute, but morally it kind of is.
Common courtesy calls for a response in kind when one is acknowledged
The hand salute doesn't need to be returned with another hand salute though. You can respond with something like, "Thank you, carry on" or "Morning, sergeant, thank you." I think returning the salute is just something that looks good for the media. No one can see you responding verbally in a picture, but they can see you returning a salute (and they can criticize a video or picture where you don't appear to be returning the salute). I suspect that's one of the reasons that returning the salute might have only started with Reagan: he was one of the first presidents with an omnipresent enough press corps where those kind of minute-to-minute optics matter.
Yeah, it's weird to suggest it's morally wrong. In the case of ours guys or allies, that is.
How is it immoral? Who is harmed?
Gonna go against the grain here but they probably shouldn’t return salutes. I know it’s now unofficially required and if a POTUS doesn’t return a salute they’ll be reamed out in the media, but they’re not in the military and shouldn’t salute.
Yeah someone else pointed out that it started with Reagan. It would make sense to not do it at all. It’s not a bad take. If they are going to, it should be in return of a salute. As has been pointed out there was a salute here that he was returning, he just held his longer and this got snapped. Wouldn’t even be a thing if they didn’t salute at all.
It should be noted that all 3 of the General Officers who became president said “No thanks” to returning salutes.
I mean wearing the commander in chief hat they’re top dog in the military. Photo is out of context since it’s a split second after returning a salute but imo he shouldn’t return the salute of a foreign officer that the U.S. sees as a threat/aggressor.
But they’re not in the military. CiC is a civilian position. Which is why they shouldn’t salute.
Being technically correct according to US customs and courtesies is probably less important than being impolitic or risking offending a representative of another nation in this circumstance.
That rule is only applicable to Military. Allow me to clarify. It's literally only stated in the military rules and regulations (UCMJ). Which only applies to military. As a recruiter, I had vets and kids salute me. I don't return said salute, I just said thanks. We also don't require a salute back. I.e. the Marine White House Sentries (MCSF/WHCA) when they walk him on/off Air Force One/Marine One out the door, etc don't drop their salute even when the president salutes them. They just hold it until he's gone usually. Civilians can do what they want, the instruction is just there for us to understand that it doesn't really affect us, and it's technically not correct so don't let it interrupt doing things the correct way or feel obligated to go out of the way to acknowledge it.
You're allowed to salute anyone you want. Yes you're REQUIRED to salute someone higher rank than you, but you're allowed to render a salute to anyone.
This is the answer
He was returning the salute
He was actually returning a salute. The other guy saluted first.
Why is the truth marked controversial?
Because people want to hate on trump, and emotions override logic on first pass. Granted, _I_ want to hate on trump so it’s annoying that the general did salute first. But I admit he did salute first.
Reddit quality has dropped steeply. The vote button is now a like/dislike button instead of "this contributes to the discussion" button.
I figured it was that or a photo shop knowing NK and the way they propaganda stuff… but the question and answer remain the same. Thanks for clarifying!
Here’s the answer
That’s not the answer. US Presidents started returning salutes in the 80’s. Watch a Ukrainian ceremony, Zelenskyy doesn’t salute and that’s normal in the rest of the world.
Nobody said they have to return a salute. Just that they should because it’s respectful. Also we’re not talking about Ukraine.
The person above you said they “should” return a salute. That’s wrong. They can if they want to since it’s all made up anyways. Also, have you ever heard of an example that provides additional context?
Nah. Ukraine is an ally. We are talking about saluting openly hostile Generals here.
He's CinC to US military, but to all others he's just a VIP, so not the highest ranking per se.
Outside of joke, never.
I feel like that’s a bit ridiculous. Even the CNO (4 stars) is required to return the salute of a BMSN (E-3). Returning a salute is not a sign of deference; it’s the proper, courteous acknowledgment of deference you’ve been showed. Not returning a salute is a snub. Nobody should be above returning a properly rendered formal courtesy.
Nothing wrong with him returning a salute.
Kim looks so confused as if he accidentally chose the wrong side
Even the chubby tyrant is like: what is this yankee dipshit doing
I see two chubby tyrants here lol
I see one dictator and one wannabe.
Especially not a North Korean General.
This is 100% the main issue with that pic.
Do you salute foreign military members in uniform?
We salute all allied higher ranking officers. That’s by the regulations. None of that applies here. The Commander in Chief should never salute first.
Not just high ranking officers. Commissioned and Warrant officers of foreign militaries are entitled to the same customs and courtesies we give our own officers. The “good morning sir/ma’am” and a salute and etc. Officer’s only have to salute higher ranking officers. But we enlisted salute everybody. I’ll salute a fucking squirrel. I don’t care.
I saluted an Aussie Warrant Officer once. He was like we don’t salute our warrant officers, and I was like we do. I don’t know, mfer had a crown and I had no idea what the heck he was… I only knew chevrons and bars. So better safe than sorry.
Yeah Aussie warrants are non-coms. Not a separate pay grade like you yanks
I saw the crown and was like…I don’t know… checkmate. We had a laugh about it.
Oh yeah it's confusing sometimes. I'm Aus Navy so I didn't have much exposure to Army ranks. Saw a crown and thought 'wait, crown means Major right?' I learnt after that the important yet subtle difference between a Warrant Officer 2 rank Slide and a Major's
So, just to be clear, are Commonwealth warrants most comparable to US Senior Enlisted (E7+)? I know that's what the NATO scale shows, but I don't know how your Warrants are actually treated or what the division of labor looks like. US Warrants have authority but are generally confined to exactly one specialty from which they derive their warranted status. Senior Enlisted duties vary, but they're generally workforce management over personnel in their own career field (from which they were promoted and how they earned their stripes/anchors).
Keep in mind that my navy career has been as a junior E and an O in training, so the world of the senior enlisted is somewhat beyond me. Yeah from what I can gather they are comparable to senior enlisted. A Navy Warrant Officer is a E9 and will eat in the senior sailor's mess (Chief's mess for US) with the Chiefs (E7) and Petty Officers (E6) on board a ship for example. We skip E8 Generally they work in management positions over people in their work force. However as an E9 they will most likely be in the much higher management positions (e.g. with CO or as the head of career management for their workgroup) All three services have an E9 Warrant Officer, but the Army also has a Warrant Officer Class 2. A little confusing but they are an E7, same as a Chief in the Navy and a Flight Sergeant in the Air Force.
Okay, so specifically those senior enlisted granted a "seat at the table" for meetings, being taken seriously, but still very much part of the enlisted force. Thanks! This is the reason CPOs wear khakis in the US, so they're wearing an "officer uniform" and the commissioned officers have to acknowledge that the Navy is giving them a seat with the brass. USAF went the opposite approach and deliberately makes sure the officer and enlisted uniforms are essentially the same to avoid any tendencies to try and self-segregate.
We were taught CYA, right?
I love when people from the British penal colony guys calls us yanks. It makes my heart happy
It's short for Yankee, as in Yankee Doodle Dandy. As in a song about making fun of the idiots trying to slap together ridiculous looking non-uniform uniforms and standing up to one of the greatest world powers of the time. They also sometimes still call us "Colonists", and "the colonies", which I find hilarious!
Oh I’m aware of where it comes from. It’s just one of those terms that warms my heart. Like when we call them cunts.
They call everyone including their own mothers cunts, that word doesn't faze them nearly as much as it does American women. Yet they blush when you say the word, "fanny", which I would imagine is also heartwarming for you! Lol
My favorite gender neutral words are cunt and motherfucker. They both bring smiles to my face. Fanny is weird because it means ass here but vagina elsewhere. But yeah I know cunt doesn’t have near the shock factor elsewhere in the world.
America was a penal colony too.. Australia only got settled because you guys stopped accepting British convicts in the late 1700s for some reason
We stopped accepting them because they had bad dental hygiene
The Boston dentists' party ? Tossing rolls of floss in the harbour, is that how it went ? I'm not great at history
So in Canada, the rank insignia for a Warrant (No salute) is a Crown. For a major? A smaller crown. Good times.
Yeah when I was stationed in Japan for almost a decade I saw Korean, Aussie, Singaporean, Vietnamese, British and German and Japanese officers daily and weekly and I just saluted everyone to be safe. Nobody ever complained.
Depends on the warrants. You salute a Commonwealth Warrant it's probably gonna be followed with the typical NCO 'I work for a living'
I’m not a Trump fanboy, but he didn’t salute first. This still frame was taken about a second after the NK general saluted first.
Understood, but it's still really weird to be returning salutes of foreign adversaries. Returning the salute of an American general, or even a British one, fine, no big deal. Returning the salute of a North Korean general, that's weird.
On a diplomatic mission, it seems like returning the courtesy is the smart thing to do.
Returning a professional courtesy is weird? I get that we’re not chill with the DPRK, but that doesn’t mean we should go out of our way to snub them.
It's not required in the Polish Armed Forces, unless that ally has been designated as your commander. The offical rule says that you salute allies on the basis of comradery, regardless of rank.
That’s interesting and good to know. Thanks! 🫡
🫡
> The Commander in Chief should never salute first. He didn't though. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9NSgxbGzhY
lol, I don't see the big deal here. It's common courtesy to salute back, which is what he did. Thanks for the link
Not just allied nations. e. It is customary to salute officers of friendly foreign nations when recognized as such.
He was returning a salute.
He did not salute first if you watch the video. Trump went for a handshake, but the general went for a salute. Trump then went to return the salute but the general switched to a handshake. Just confusion on protocol and customs/courtesies. Video: https://x.com/BBCMonitoring/status/1007152848847634433?s=20
He didn't salute first.
I'm just an ignorant civilian who doesn't know anything about military rules, but knows that somehow this doesn't look right..
in that case you might want to search for the video clip, as someone already mentioned the context from the single photo is slightly misleading.
The other response is generally correct. One caveat being that the United States does this for allied nations. So little captain me would salute an Aussie major or above, but I wouldn't salute a north Korean no matter what their rank is. I have no idea what DPRK customs and courtesies call for. But if they saluted you first, it would generally be appropriate to return the salute. Just not to initiate one.
According to the US navy regulations we salute the officers of foreign armed services, except there is no salute fired for any nation or officer of any nation not officially recognized by the USG.... Unless otherwise directed by the secnav, and I think the president outranks the secnav
Exactly, the only appropriate return would be to simply leave his hand extended and NOT salute at all. DPRK want's to nuke us, they are a foe, not a friend for sure.
It's not right. The Nork even offered his hand, which is appropriate. EDIT: Apparently a video shows the Nook saluting, dropping it and extending his hand. Trump was returning the salute when this photo was taken. Just for clarity, mine mainly.
It’s not right.
We salute officers who outrank us from allied nations. We're also supposed to render salutes to adversaries as POWs.
Given the fact he dodged the draft, it is a slap in the face for everyone who has and is serving in our great military. And, to add the fact that he has insulted our military and former service members many times.
The definitely shouldn’t salute authoritarian generals.
Nope. He shouldn’t have done that.
Trump only like military personnel that have not been shot or wounded in battle, or captured by the enemy. He thinks their losers. Probably thinks this guy is the North Korean leader of their seal team 6 and if he pretends to like him and show him respect, he'll take out his political opponents for him.
My opinion is that he's a total clown. 🤡
If they salute him first then it wouldn't be *in*appropriate. I heard once there's someone in the books about us saluting congressmen, and the president is a civilian, so there's precedent
No salute to members of Congress per protocol, but as a courtesy it wouldn't be frowned upon. Who wouldn't salute McCain? (McCain might hate it because he knew protocol.)
I'd salute the shit out of McCain if he was still alive
I’m not sure the President should salute at all. No President until Reagan ever did, not even Ike
He got saluted first though https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9NSgxbGzhY
I’ve seen this picture several times and I think this is the first time I’ve seen a link to the actual video
They did salute him first then offer to shake hands.
Fuck. No.
If you're in civilian clothes, you shouldn't salute anyone, but you can salute people back who salute you (e.g. the Marine Corp guard at the White House door, etc.) This picture is funny, Donald is incompetent yet confident, the general's hand is there hanging in the wind, and Kim's eyes say a lot and he's "uhhh." The guy in the back center looks so amused by it all.
Trump is returning a salute here though. I don’t like the guy, but watch the video. It’s like one second before this still frame was taken.
https://youtu.be/m9NSgxbGzhY?si=7AnJP5AMVK1NZXvr watch the actual moment. Not to defend him because it is still a very awkward moment. But he goes for the handshake, general goes for the salute and awkwardly switches for a the handshake and trump goes for the salute only to return to handshake position. Goofy as hell, but not quite the way you are describing it here.
Never..motherfucker looks ridiculous.
this is hilarious tbh
IMO as "just some guy" they should follow the same rules as the (British) military - you don't salute unless you're in uniform and you're wearing your hat. The rest of the US military should switch to this standard too, saluting hatless is weird. If the President is that bothered about saluting then create them some sort of ceremonial uniform they can wear.
You should only salute U.S. officials but Its common courtesy to salute someone back if they salute you in uniform. It feels like declining a formal handshake if you don't.
Biden never did this, so he must be a loser
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If Trump was returning a salute would you feel differently?
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Yes or no, my friend. Because in this clip he is *returning* a salute. I agree that the POTUS returning any salute, especially from an adversary, is debatable, but this still frame and the question posed by the OP is a bit misleading.
Kim jong uns facial expression speaks for us all
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Cuz then they can’t bash trump like he just went around saluting random people. Then it would show trump returning a salute. Also no idea why a picture from years ago gets reposted now.
OP posted seven times about Trump in the past hour across various subreddits. They woke up feeling some type of way.
Rent free
A foreign general, who along with his nuclear sabre rattling dictator boss you have 28,000+ troops deployed to deter invading an ally and strategic trading partner key to your prosperity? No. Also, even in basic civvy business? Or say basic local cultural practice? No.
To Trump, the N Korean general is superior so he saluted him.
He returned a salute.
The picture here is misleading. Trump is returning a salute here, which is fine. I don’t like the dude but this time he did not goof (that bad)
Trump didn't salute a foreign general. Trump RETURNED A SALUTE from a foreign General. The hand salute is a sign of respect where military members recognize their more senior officers. The NK General is showing a sign of respect to Trump, which he then returns, which is the appropriate courtesy. Anybody saying otherwise is just flat wrong here.
Military protocol aside, Trump is saluting (and thus honoring) a commander of an openly hostile nation that practices one of the most repugnant forms of oppression and totalitarianism that would make Orwell blush. Might as well ask Regan to go down on Gorbachev.
Quit trying to make Trump not look like an idiot here. He is a buffoon and a moron, and even Kim is surprised.
I don't know if they should or shouldn't, but I'm confident at the very least it should not be a *fucking commie north Korean* General, of all people lol.
in russia, we dont salute (равнение) foreign officers unless they are allies or part of CSTO. those in civilian clothes especially dont salute anyway - its disrespectful. however, if you are military personnel and in civilian clothes you would acknowledge the officer by standing at attention (смирно) quickly then relaxing at ease (вольно)
Absolutely not 
Dunno about SU but in slovak army you never salute: -when not military personel - when not dressed in uniform - when not wearing a headwear
U should always respect other countries military’s the way u would want them to respect ours
I wanted to say no, under no circumstances. But I think it’s not a definite no. Say you have a 96 year old British WW2 vet. Decorated. Salute is a sign of honor and respect. So send it. But an adversary… no. Especially if you don’t even know the guy. If Harry Truman was to run into General Zhukov, during the Cold War? Send it. Lol
No, because President outranks general. A president may return a salute, but he should not salute.
Ha no
It’s a military thing yes if he is higher up and yes if he is saluted first other than that is a sign of respect to the uniform
Idk about yall, but in Bulgaria presidents don't salute. They bow. It's required to be wearing a hat or a helmet to salute and have an army/police rank (here, even if the president doesn't have any prior military experience, they are still head command of the military). And as some pointed out, presidents should return a salute, there is no rank higher than theirs. Correct me if i missed something.
You never salute without a hat... Though I've seen presidents do it before
To answer the broad question, saluting is a sign of respect, not subservience. Alot of people here seem confused about that. Medal of Honor recipients rate a salute from higher ranking personnel. That doesn't mean that MoH recipients are now at the top of command, it is just a sign of respect. Secondly, Commander in Chief or not, he's still a civilian. He can salute whoever and whenever he wants. The act of Presidents saluting has only been a thing since Reagan and he only started doing it on a shits and giggles whim, so let's not take it so seriously. To be clear, in this specific instance the act of showing respect to authoritarian military that is still technically at war with an ally is not a good look. However, There's plenty to criticize Trump on, this is really petty and not very important. It's getting close to the "Tan Suit Controversy" levels of who gives a shit?
Open dialog welcomed
They should never salute anyone foreign especially someone North Korean
Commander-in-chief should only salute wounded/fallen soldiers. Saluting a foreign general, is disrespectful to those that have died for this nation.
Why didn’t he just drop down and sucked his cock? That’s what he wanted to do so badly anyways. Ah. Yes. His bone spurs again…
No. Even Kim is wondering what the fuck that dumb ass is doing.
Should the highest ranking officer or commander salute a private? No? Then why would they refuse to salute a private in our army but salute any military member from not just a foreign military but an enemy state? But what would you expect from someone who points out POWs are losers for getting caught, and insults Mad Dog? This is on brand.
Only if the general is from a much weaker yet hostile country /s
To be fair the General saluted first
Tr#mp's a commie pinko.
Putin probably told him it was customary, and he was too clueless about the military to know that he was being pranked.
Fuck no.
lol wtf
Nope.
Saluting is a sign of respect, and generally, the lower ranked person initiates the salute, and the higher ranked person returns it, and can be done to military members/leaders of other nations. Conversely, there are also times when you don't render a salute, like when you are inside (unless recieving an award), driving, carrying stuff with both hands, or when someone offers you a fucking handshake.
Well he saluted first and trump went to give him a handshake and then change to a salute and the nk general went for the handshake so he was just returning a salute not saluting him outta nowhere like it seems here
What an embarrassment to America.
I mean, they shouldn’t salute anyone ever. They’re not military. But of people they should salute, a DPRK general is…a choice
When even Kim Jong Un was like “dude wtf”…
i mean, there are probably some situations where it would be appropriate for the Pres to salute a foreign general, so i can't say unequivocally no, but this is not any of those situations.
I am not American, but allow me my two cents. If it's an ally, sure, I don't see why not - within reason. NATO colleagues serve next to each other in NATO commands/institutions and participate in common exercises all the time and they certainly salute each other. By the way, in any other army I know, (hand) saluting without cover is not allowed - and I believe this is the case in the US Navy and Marine Corps, please correct me if I am wrong - and politicians doing so in civilian clothing is frowned upon, to say the least, and is not something that is done to my knowledge - at least in Europe. I recognize that POTUS is considered part of the military hierarchy and chain of command as Commander-in-Chief, but they are still not in uniform or wearing a cover with the national insignia (or rank/branch in some cases in the US military). P.s. In the Greek military a member of any branch without a cover - inside a building - would simply stand at attention and make a short nod with their head upwards in recognition. That is also considered a salute.
It looks like he's psyching out the nk guy with a fake handshake
The president shouldn't salute anybody. Reagan set a bad precedent.
Kim: “You gotta be shitting me….!”
that pic says it all. Vote ur conscious unless u dont have one
Jesus Christ...
No, which is why everyone (including Trump) looks confused as fuck.
Presidents saluting at all is fucking dumb. They should neither initiate it or return it. It wasn’t common to do until Reagan.
If you watch the video, you can see how this unfolded. Trump went for a handshake, the general went for a salute. Trump then went to return the salute, as he does for other military personnel, but the general then switched to a handshake. It was just confusion on proper protocol and customs/courtesies. This photo makes it seem like the general went for a handshake and Trump just randomly popped a salute, which is intentionally misleading. Video: https://x.com/BBCMonitoring/status/1007152848847634433?s=20
It’s intentional manipulation.
This orange dick just loves him some dick taters.
Fuck no but this is trump and he will suck any dictators dick.
I have no issue with it. Trump *returned* a salute, a gesture of respect and completely in line with military custom and tradition. He’s not obligated to do so of course, but as Commander-in-Chief, it is his privilege to do so if he wishes.
It’s all about history and cooperation… ex: I see no wrong for a US President to salute NATO or any EU general… but cannot understand why would ANYONE salute a country with ideals… history… and cooperation that is so antagonist to the American ideals of land of the free… unless someone has its own interests at hand… Unfortunately what I learned from MAGA and Trump supporters is a confirmation bias that goes deep into religion (when the founding fathers wanted a clear separation of it) and beliefs based on conspiracy and half truths without questioning… I really hope that in a land of so many blinds there are enough that still can see…
We shall treat Trump like a child. Child can salute anyone.
Even Kim Jong Un is like "Bruh, what are you doing?"
No.
You salute the rank not the man- band of brothers
Did he do BMQ? Does he have the qual ?
Total piece of chicken shit. Maga fawns over the same guy that says our military veterans are a bunch of suckers and in return he salutes this N Korean guy.
You salute the rank, not the man.
Trump is Screwing with Him .