Trump wants ‘respect’ for the national anthem as he sings half the lyrics

President Trump wants Americans to “proudly stand for the national anthem” while he mouths the lyrics, nods his head and taps his hand to the beat. (Video: JM Rieger/The Washington Post)

President Trump prides himself on patriotism. But his singing might need some work.

At least four times since becoming president, Trump started to sing — but didn’t finish — songs like the national anthem and “God Bless America.”

At the White House “Celebration of America” event on Tuesday, which Trump held after canceling a visit from the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, he again sang only a few verses of “God Bless America” before nodding his head to the beat of the United States Marine Band and the Army Chorus.

In January, Trump mouthed only parts of the national anthem during the college football national championship. In 2017, video showed his wife nudging Trump to put his hand over his heart during the national anthem. (He proceeded to tap his hand to the beat of the song.)

But contrary to speculation that he doesn’t know the lyrics to the national anthem, Trump appeared to sing the entire song the day after his inauguration.

Earlier this year, Trump said he wanted the national anthem to be “respected.” But apparently, singing effort doesn’t factor into that equation.