Donald And Melania Trump Attend World Series Game 4, Caught Doing Tomahawk Chop

Former US President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump were in attendance at Game 4 of the World Series in Atlanta Saturday night. The couple was caught on camera joining in with the crowd as they did the Braves signature “Tomahawk Chop ” gesture before the start of the game.

The Tomahawk Chop is the movement of the arm with an open palm that is done with a forward and backward motion suggestive of how a typical Native American single-handed ax is used. The Tomahawk was originally constructed by Native Americans and generally used as an all-purpose tool, ceremonial tool, as well as a weapon. The gesture has been deemed by many as offensive as it promotes a racist stereotyping of Native Americans.

According to 11Alive News, several teams and brands have announced re-evaluations on changing team names and mascots last year in line with growing push for social justice. The Washington Redskins officially announced in July 2020 they would be changing their name and logo while the Cleveland Indians said they were considering a change as well.

The Atlanta Braves said they were not changing the mascot, however, they would be evaluating the continued use of the Tomahawk Chop. "Through our conversations, changing the name of the Braves is not under consideration or deemed necessary," an official email released by Braves Chairman Terry McGuirk said.

"As it relates to the fan experience, including the chop, it is one of the many issues that we are working through with the advisory group. We will always be the Atlanta Braves," the statement read. "The Atlanta Braves honors, respects and values the Native American community,” it added.

Series fans who captured the Trumps immediately took to social media and posted videos of the couple who appeared looking comfortable as the Trumps pointed to spectators who waved at them. Melania was last seen in a public appearance with her husband in April when they were photographed at an Easter event at Mar-a-lago in Florida.

While television cameras panned the crowd, the former president was greeted by cheers and jeers with others were chanting “lock him up.” The couple was also seen with several political supporters including Georgia Senator David Perdue.

Trump's planned appearance at the World Series game was announced in an earlier mass email sent to his supporters Saturday. “Looking forward to being at the World Series in Atlanta tonight. Thank you to the Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred, and Randy Levine of the New York Yankees, for the invite. Melania and I are looking forward to a wonderful evening watching two great teams!” the email said.

Meanwhile, MLB denied handing out the invitation saying Trump had “requested to attend the game.”