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Delta removes passenger over controversial Trump t-shirt

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Delta removes passenger over controversial Trump t-shirt
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Airbus A380 | Airbus

A Delta Air Lines passenger was removed from a flight departing Sarasota, Florida, due to his Donald Trump t-shirt. The shirt depicted Trump extending his middle fingers with the caption “Hawk Tuah Spit On That Thang.” After another passenger complained, airline staff instructed the man to change his shirt if he wished to fly. He initially complied by turning the shirt inside out and boarded the aircraft.

However, once seated, he reverted the shirt to display the image again. Consequently, he was removed from the flight.

Delta operates flights from Sarasota to Atlanta, Minneapolis, and New York LaGuardia on Saturdays. Given that the video of the incident was posted before flights to Minneapolis or New York had boarded, it is inferred that this flight was headed to Atlanta.

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The incident highlights ongoing debates about dress codes on airlines. Delta's CEO has previously praised Trump when it aligned with the airline’s political interests. Nonetheless, there have been instances where passengers were reportedly removed for pro-Trump conversations or attire.

Airlines frequently face criticism for inconsistent enforcement of dress standards. Delta has threatened removal over refusal to wear certain garments and has denied boarding based on clothing choices. Other airlines like Southwest Airlines and American Airlines have faced similar controversies regarding their dress code policies.

Public opinion remains divided on whether a Trump t-shirt with offensive imagery is appropriate in public spaces or justifies removal from an aircraft. In this case, Delta employees in Sarasota determined it warranted disqualification from flying after the passenger defied their instructions.

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