President Obama's coffee cup salute to Marines draws criticism

When President Obama stepped off Marine One at the Wall Street landing zone in New York City, en route the United Nations, he saluted two Marines at the bottom of the stairs as he held a coffee cup in the same hand. See video below

But some critics quickly pounced on the President's coffee cup salute. Some are calling it the “latte salute.”

"Wait - did President Obama just salute the Marines with a LATTE in his hand?!" the National Republican Congressional Committee tweeted.

The unusual gesture also appeared in an Instagram video posted by the White House on social media.

 Obama is also wearing sunglasses as he arrived, with the first lady not far behind.

The video drew ridicule from some Instagram users, who saw the unorthodox salute as “un-presidential.”

 ''Whoever is uploading the content of this account obviously has an agenda against Obama. That was completely disrespectful.''

 ''All american people, look at your president and "proud"....disgrace''

''This is a disgrace to our nations fighting men. He would've been more respectful just walking by. & anyone who defends this is just as bad.''

''Your President of no honor. Our president Vladimir Putin would be so did not, I am sure in this.'' 

''Please take down this video clip. We cherish our traditions and would never do this. #lattesalute #respect #tradition #usarmy #armylife @foxnews @usarmy''

''Disrespectful (and who was the 'genius' at the W/H who thought this was a good idea to share?) Technically he doesn't have to salute but to do so with his coffee in hand? Moron.''

“Hopefully it was just a slip by this President,” one user posted.

Others saw unnecessary nitpicking in the criticism.

“People are dying from disease, abuse or even hunger,” another user commented on the video. “Priorities.”

While it is protocol for U.S. service members in uniform to salute the commander in chief, it’s not required for a civilian president to salute back, military experts say. Ronald Reagan is thought to have set precedent for the practice back in 1981.