President Donald Trump and Melania Trump visited troops, military families, and members of the U.S. special forces at Fort Bragg on Friday, but things didn’t go quite as planned.
The first lady spoke to the crowd first and introduced her wayward husband, but things quickly went amiss before Trump ever reached the stage.
Before Melania brought out Trump, she addressed the Army troops at the North Carolina military installation and she praised them for their bravery.
“The president and I are grateful to be with you to honor the passion you share through unmatched bravery, resilience, and service to our great nation,” Melania said before thanking the troops for the country’s freedom.
After wishing the troops a Happy Valentine’s Day, she introduced the president.
“And now, it is my distinct honor to introduce your commander in chief, our leader who maintains a mission of peace through strength, President Donald J. Trump,” she said.
Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” song began playing, but Trump was nowhere to be seen. As the music went on and the camera panned out to the crowd as everyone waited, the 79-year-old finally emerged, making his slow walk to the stage with just a few cheers.
When Trump finally made it on stage, Melania kissed him on each cheek, and Trump turned to face the crowd while waiting for more praise. When all he heard was awkward silence, he put his hand behind his ear to express his desire for applause, and the crowd immediately began to applaud and cheer.
After he reached the podium, Trump claimed he made the gesture because he loved the song, which has become an anthem of sorts at the president’s rallies.
“I was really referring to the song,” Trump said as he began what became a partisan speech replete with appeals to vote Republican this fall.
A video of the moment was shared on X with the caption, “BREAKING: ABSOLUTE MADNESS at Fort Bragg! A literal SEA of U.S. troops just ERUPTED when First Lady Melania brought President Trump on stage! Roaring cheers, hats in the air, pure love for their Commander-in-Chief.”
However, the post was quickly dragged as users noted that there was no eruption of cheers until after Trump demanded it with his gesture.
BREAKING: ABSOLUTE MADNESS at Fort Bragg!
A literal SEA of U.S. troops just ERUPTED when First Lady Melania brought President Trump on stage!
Roaring cheers, hats in the air, pure love for their Commander-in-Chief.
pic.twitter.com/phPMfZkSKv— Gunther Eagleman (@GuntherEagleman) February 13, 2026
One user joked, “Did someone clap at some point? I must have missed it.”
Another asked, “Are the roaring cheers in the room with us right now?”
“Roaring cheers? Hats in the air? I think you posted the wrong video,” noted another, prompting one user to agree. “Roaring cheers, hats in the air … a literal SEA??? – hahaha – not even close! And Trump even has to ask for the ‘literal’… and the ‘risting’ cheers.”
Another user noted how quiet the room was before Trump begged for applause. “If you remove the music you can actually hear the pin drop.”
“The energy says everything. Our troops know who respects them, supports them, and puts America first. That kind of reaction doesn’t come from speeches, it comes from leadership,” replied one. Another user joked, “He had to beg for the clap. Unintended double entendre.”
The needy president also insulted the troops when he was at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware last December to honor a civilian interpreter and two Iowa National Guard members killed in Syria.
When the aircraft that was carrying the bodies arrived and military personnel lowered their heads out of respect as is customary, Trump remained with his head held high.
Great Job Niko Mann & the Team @ Atlanta Black Star for sharing this story.
