House of Cards has field day with Sean Spicer's upside down flag pin

The popular Netflix political series House of Cards and its fictional leader Frank Underwood were among the many chiming in on social media after Sean Spicer wore a U.S. flag pin upside down during a White House press conference Friday.

Political series gets free promotion after White House press secretary sports accidental 'distress' signal

Zulekha Nathoo · CBC News · Posted: Mar 11, 2017 1:36 PM EST | Last Updated: March 11, 2017

White House press secretary Sean Spicer adjusts his American flag pin after he was told that it was upside down on Friday, during the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Harnik/Associated Press)

The popular Netflix political series House of Cards and its fictional leader Frank Underwood were among the many chiming in on social media after Sean Spicer wore a U.S. flag pin upside down during a White House press conference Friday.

The U.S. press secretary tried to turn the pin right-side up when the mistake was flagged to him by Fox news reporter John Roberts.

"John Roberts, always helping with the fashion tips," Spicer joked.

Another reporter pointed out it was still upside down.

"Thank you, I appreciate that," Spicer said.

"House of Cards," someone joked.

"No, there's no promo," Spicer replied.

Or so he thought.

House of Cards didn't miss an opportunity to capitalize on the moment.

Sean Spicer addresses his upside down flag pin

8 years ago

0:20

White House press secretary assures reporters he's not trying to promote the series House of Cards as he fixes pin on his lapel

Free advertising

A tweet was posted soon after from the show's official Twitter account with a link to the mishap: "Your loyalty has not gone unnoticed."

Your loyalty has not gone unnoticed. <a href="https://t.co/ba1kz1yvXF">https://t.co/ba1kz1yvXF</a>
—@HouseofCards

The free advertising was priceless, given the latest trailer for the dark series about political corruption and power reveals an upside down flag promoting its upcoming fifth season.

House of Cards stars Kevin Spacey as power-hungry American leader, Frank Underwood. The character's social media account often responds to real-life political happenings.

I don't see anything wrong with this. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HouseofCards?src=hash">#HouseofCards</a> <a href="https://t.co/5cPvRaBpig">https://t.co/5cPvRaBpig</a>
—@RepUnderwoodSC

The show's creator, Beau Willimon, an open critic of U.S. President Donald Trump, also referenced the incident in a tweet.

Well it ain't the first time Trump & Co. have been guilty of plagiarism... <a href="https://t.co/VygkmCXeku">pic.twitter.com/VygkmCXeku</a>
—@BeauWillimon

Upside down flag means 'dire distress'

According to U.S. federal law, the flag "should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."

Spicer, who has been recently mocked on Saturday Night Live with Melissa McCarthy portraying him as uptight and hostile towards reporters, appeared to take the moment lightly in an otherwise serious news conference discussing the conflict in Syria and plans for a U.S. border wall with Mexico.