On Tuesday, remnants of Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign emerged as she attempted to downplay President Donald Trump’s welcoming of British King Charles III, but unfortunately faced backlash online.
The account @HQNewsNow, previously known as the Harris campaign’s rapid response account, shared a photo of a military band performing on the White House South Lawn. They remarked, “There is currently a red-headed squad on the White House lawn welcoming the King of England.”
The musicians from the Old Guard Fife Drum and Flute Corps wear uniforms reminiscent of the War of Independence era, somewhat distinct from the well-known British Red Coats.
According to the Old Guard’s official site, “The unit’s musicians reflect on the times of the American Revolution with uniforms inspired by those used by General George Washington’s Continental Army.” They go on to clarify that “Military bands back then wore colors that contrasted with their assigned regiments. The corps members’ uniforms originate from around 1784 and feature a black tricorn hat, a white wig, a waistcoat, colonial trousers, and the signature red regimental coat.”
In this situation, the soldiers’ regiment in the Continental Army donned blue uniforms with red accents, whereas the Old Guard corps opted for red with blue accents. Meanwhile, British Redcoats traditionally wore red, albeit with various colored details.
This misstep prompted numerous taunts online. One notable response came from Charlotte Clymer, a transgender activist and former communications staffer for the Human Rights Campaign. Clymer expressed, “This is the Drum and Flute Corps of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment. They perform at nearly all official ceremonies and most ceremonies for visiting foreign dignitaries. As an Old Guard graduate, I can assure you this is not unusual.”
In a similar vein, Republican Congressman Pat Fallon remarked, “No wonder Kamala’s headquarters have no idea what they’re talking about.”
Meanwhile, a popular Twitter account focused on historical events chimed in, suggesting, “A little research goes a long way. Maybe read a book or two.”
Steve Guest, a former staffer for Texas Senator Ted Cruz and now a Republican strategist, joined in the criticism, characterizing Harris’ team as “historically illiterate clowns.” Another user even lambasted the former campaign account, questioning their grasp of the Old Guard Drum and Flute Corps’ official uniform.
Additionally, the post from headquarters included a community note stating, “These individuals are former U.S. Army Drum and Flute musicians dressed in Revolutionary War-era uniforms inspired by Continental Army musicians, not British Red Coats.”
