The Biden administration has commented on athlete Gwen Berry turning away from the American flag.
Berry provoked widespread controversy after she seemingly turned her back on the banner while the national anthem was playing during the track and field trials for the Olympic games, held on Saturday, June 26.
Per Fox News, press secretary Jen Psaki addressed the issue in an official statement made to news reporters on Monday, June 28, when asked about The White House's official opinion of Berry's conduct.
Per the above publication, when asked what the president's thoughts were on the incident, Psaki stated:
"[Biden’s] incredibly proud to be an American and has great respect for the anthem and all that it represents, especially for our men and women serving in uniform all around the world."
She continued: "He'd also say, of course, that part of that pride in our country means recognizing there are moments where we, as a country, haven’t lived up to our highest ideals.
"It means respecting the right of people granted to them in the Constitution to peacefully protest."
On the other hand, Republican senator Ted Cruz has publically criticized Berry on Twitter.
In a tweet shared with his 4.4 million followers on the platform, the Texas senator shared a link to a news report on the story, and captioned it: "Why does the Left hate America?
"Sure, we have our faults, but no nation in the history of the world has liberated more people from captivity, has lifted more out of poverty, has bled more for freedom, or has blessed more w/ abundance. God bless America. [sic]"
Meanwhile, The Sun reports that Berry herself has protested that she was "set up" - claiming that she was informed by officials that the song would play before she took to the podium.
Per the above publication, Berry later commented: "They had enough opportunities to play the national anthem before we got up there.
"I was thinking about what I should do. Eventually, I stayed there and I swayed, I put my shirt over my head. It was real disrespectful. They said they were going to play it before we walked out, then they played it when we were out there."
However, a spokesperson for USA Track and Field has denied Berry's allegations.