When Sean Spicer stepped up to the podium to begin his daily press briefing at the White House on Friday, eyes quickly turned to his lapel.

Donald Trump's press secretary was inadvertently wearing his American flag pin upside down.

Image: Mr Spicer was told about the pin error by a Fox News journalist

As he launched into a recap of Mr Trump's first 50 days in office, people on social media were quick to point out his error and joked about its potential meaning.

Some said an upside down flag is traditionally seen as a sign of distress. Others wondered if Mr Trump's spokesman was trying to deliver a subtle act of political protest.

Federal law says a flag should never be upside down "except as a signal of dire distress" https://t.co/bFbx4rzyDb pic.twitter.com/vumVcvPHU2 — Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) March 10, 2017

Fox News reporter John Roberts eventually told him of his wardrobe malfunction when he was called on to ask the first question of the briefing.


Mr Spicer chuckles as he responds: "John Roberts always helps me with fashion tips."

He attempts to correct it but it remains the wrong way up prompting another journalist to yell out: "It's still upside down!"

Image: Once alerted to his error, Mr Spicer quickly turned his pin the right way up

"House Of Cards!" another shouted.

Several people on Twitter also linked to Mr Spicer's error to the US political TV drama as its logo is an upside-down US flag.

Still laughing, the press secretary responded: "No, there's no promo... now, on to your questions."

i fixed ur flag pin for u sean pic.twitter.com/Y9iCnYNKny — darth™ (@darth) March 10, 2017

House Of Card's official Twitter account was also quick to poke fun, posting: "Your loyalty has not gone unnoticed."

The show's executive, Dana Brunetti, also added to the jokes: "His check is in the mail."