Kaitlin Bennett is an outspoken Trump supporter and a major proponent for the Second Amendment who challenged Parkland survivor David Hogg to an arm-wrestling match. Now, she can add desecrating the flag to her list of transgressions.
On June 14, the Ohio college student bashed her liberal critics by posting a selfie on the beach where she is seen holding a novelty mug with the words, "Liberal Tears." But her trolling attempt backfired when she got slammed for sitting on an American flag doubling as a beach blanket. Her post was also meant to commemorate President Donald Trump's 72nd birthday,
Enjoying a nice cup of liberal tears at the beach to celebrate MY President's birthday. Happy birthday… https://t.co/jvpvym5hV2— Kaitlin Bennett (@Kaitlin Bennett) 1528992079.0
However, it didn't take long for detractors to rake her over the coals for violating the flag code.
@KaitMarieox @realDonaldTrump Since you’re probably one of the people who whine over NFL players “disrespecting the… https://t.co/X4QBGopBRQ— Tyler Le (@Tyler Le) 1528994528.0
Bennett, the founder of the right-wing group Liberty Hangout, responded to Tyler's tweet:
@tylerle4_ @realDonaldTrump Did you just copy and paste the flag code and try to apply it to a damn towel? Oh my— Kaitlin Bennett (@Kaitlin Bennett) 1529005274.0
But others reminded her of her patriotic offense.
@tylerle4_ @KaitMarieox @realDonaldTrump She violated this one as well: §176. Respect for flag No disrespect should… https://t.co/Fvo7LDWdS8— Matthew (@Matthew) 1529409474.0
Another user took a swipe at the 22-year-old gun rights advocate by imploring her to actually do something more productive than use the symbol of our country as a dirty beach towel.
@KaitMarieox @realDonaldTrump You just graduated from college. Trump hates freeloaders. Get off the beach and get a job.— The Hoarse Whisperer (@The Hoarse Whisperer) 1529177452.0
The rage over her contemptible act is real.
@HoarseWisperer @KaitMarieox @realDonaldTrump This literally made me scream 😂— Joanne ✊🏽🦋💗🔥 (@Joanne ✊🏽🦋💗🔥) 1529420995.0
One user compared her to acid-tongued conservative Tomi Lahren, but conceded Bennett still has a ways to go before she attains similar notoriety.
@Dsp503 @HoarseWisperer @KaitMarieox @realDonaldTrump I would be surprised if she wasn't hoping to become the next… https://t.co/NG5gk9J66r— Brown Eyes (@Brown Eyes) 1529180984.0
@HoarseWisperer @KaitMarieox @realDonaldTrump She’s auditioning for Tomi’s job, who may be the only one crying if she succeeds.— ámbar (@ámbar) 1529321425.0
Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States flag code is a federal law that outlines the proper care and handling of the U.S. flag. Of note: "The flag should never touch anything beneath it, nor should it have anything placed on it."
However, the penalty for dishonoring the Stars and Stripes on both counts cannot be enforced, according to Title 18.
Bennett is no stranger to kickback. She recently riled social media by tweeting a photo of herself carrying an AR-15 to her graduation.
Now that I graduated from @KentState, I can finally arm myself on campus. I should have been able to do so as a stu… https://t.co/GxuuyJg87O— Kaitlin Bennett (@Kaitlin Bennett) 1526228352.0
The general consensus: That she really outdid herself with her recent tweet, and Twitter continues to let her know.
@KaitMarieox @realDonaldTrump Rubbing your backside directly on the American flag is definitely the best birthday tribute to Donald Trump.— Alexandra Erin (@Alexandra Erin) 1528994190.0
@KaitMarieox @realDonaldTrump Why are you at the beach instead of joining the military? No one is less of a patriot… https://t.co/8kYqkk14l5— Dusty Smith🐓 (@Dusty Smith🐓) 1529084863.0
@KaitMarieox @realDonaldTrump The 1980s called; they want their crispy mall perm back. Also, get your ass off the f… https://t.co/skvW0p0D8T— Sharron Darnell (@Sharron Darnell) 1529023142.0
@KaitMarieox @realDonaldTrump when the constitution was originally written, so was a flag code. it states that appa… https://t.co/4plfinVIoH— kate dillon 🍭 (@kate dillon 🍭) 1529011633.0
@DillonnKate @KaitMarieox @realDonaldTrump Yes. Now please excuse me while I go put on my flag boxer briefs. (I’m p… https://t.co/mGTjAQ9tzR— Michael Cudney (@Michael Cudney) 1529233527.0
@KaitMarieox @realDonaldTrump 1) You look completely natural with a coffee mug at the beach. 2) Get your ass and f… https://t.co/G2QnLv7pXN— Gary M. Sarli (@Gary M. Sarli) 1529498979.0