Sean Spicer's Upside-Down Flag Pin Signals Distress At Press Conference By Accident

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer wore his American flag pin upside down at a news conference Friday — known as a signal of distress. It was likely a mistake but sparked a wave on online discussion and commentary.

United States code dictates: "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 seemed unaware of the issue before someone appeared to pass him a note about it.

“Your pin's upside-down,” Fox News' John Roberts also said to Spicer.

"John Roberts, always helping with the fashion tips," Spicer said in return.

The press secretary then attempted to correct his pin so the flag was displayed correctly.

It was not fixed, but Spicer continued until someone seemingly from the crowd of reporters again alerted him that it was still upside down. The press secretary then finally got the flag right-side up.

A reporter also yelled out to Spicer about the Netflix series "House of Cards," a political drama that uses an upside-down U.S. flag in its logo.

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

The press conference continued from there but the internet, of course, responded with memes, jokes and conspiracy theories. Even the House of Cards Twitter account commented on the Spicer mishap, telling the press secretary, "Your loyalty has not gone unnoticed."

U.S. code has a number of rules for the flag. For instance, it states "The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard."

The flag is also not supposed to be used as clothing, bedding or drapery.