Swalwell calls out Trump after video of president during national anthem

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) suggested Monday that President Trump disrespected U.S. troops after a video showed the president gesturing rather than standing with his hand over his heart during the national anthem at a Super Bowl watch party.

“Our troops are worthy of a commander-in-chief who respects them. Instead, they’re being led by a self-centered man-child,” tweeted Swalwell, a former presidential candidate. He included a link to a Miami Herald story on the video.

Our troops are worthy of a commander-in-chief who respects them. Instead, they’re being led by a self-centered man-child. https://t.co/QsHwtNz7mg

— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) February 3, 2020

The Herald first reported on the video, citing an Instagram post that shows Trump pretending to conduct a band during part of the national anthem. Others at the Super Bowl watch party are seen with their hands over their hearts as Demi Lovato is heard singing the national anthem.

In the approximately 30-second clip, Trump is seen lifting his arms and gesturing to others.

A White House spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.

Trump has been a staunch critic of NFL players and others who have knelt during the national anthem to protest police brutality.

Before the kickoff at Sunday night’s game, superstar couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z remained seated during the national anthem, drawing criticism from some conservative pundits.