Virginia, October 6(HS): In a strikingly awkward moment during his address at the US Navy’s 250th anniversary celebrations in Virginia, President Donald Trump appeared to attempt to provoke the audience into booing former President Barack Obama — only to be met with complete silence.The event, held at Naval Station Norfolk on Sunday, September 5, was meant to commemorate the Navy’s historic milestone.
During his remarks, Trump praised his former White House physician Ronny Jackson — who also served under Obama and George W. Bush — describing him as “a man everybody loves.” Then, turning to the crowd, Trump mentioned Jackson’s service under “Barack Hussein Obama,” and asked rhetorically, “Have you heard of him?”The crowd, largely comprising uniformed naval personnel, remained unresponsive.
Trump briefly paused, seemingly expecting laughter, applause, or derision, before moving on from the moment.The silence drew attention on social media, where users described it as a quiet act of integrity rather than indifference. “The silence wasn’t passive—it was principled,” one commenter wrote. “The Navy refused to be cast as political props. Their restraint was a reminder that respect for civilian leadership, past and present, is not optional—it’s foundational.”
Another user noted that “none of the guys behind him wanted to clap—you can see it in their faces,” while others suggested the military audience maintained discipline, avoiding the campaign-style reactions Trump often draws at his rallies.The episode came amid broader criticism of Trump’s delayed appearance — he arrived nearly an hour late for the event, with British media outlet The Mirror reporting his tardiness.
Before leaving the White House, Trump had posted on Truth Social: “It will be a big day with the Navy. Leaving now. The United States has the greatest military, by far, in the world… ENJOY WATCHING!”
The uneasy silence at Norfolk reflected a moment of quiet resistance steeped in the military’s culture of duty, decorum, and constitutional neutrality — a subtle reminder that even amid political performance, the armed forces remain steadfastly apolitical.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
