Twitter wonders why Sean Spicer wished India a happy Independence Day nearly two months too early
It is unclear what led the White House press secretary to believe that the national holiday had been advanced.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer on Saturday wished India a happy Independence Day with nearly two months to go for the actual holiday. Spicer, whose frequent gaffes have alternately caused hilarity and outrage, was addressing a press conference ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States when he made the confusing, though no doubt well-intentioned, comment.
Spicer answered a question from a reporter by saying that he would first like to “wish the people of India a happy 70th anniversary on their independence,” before moving on to more mundane details on Modi’s upcoming visit such as defence partnerships and law enforcement. “I think it’s going to be a very robust discussion,” Spicer continued, apparently unaware of his miscalculation.
It remains unclear what led him to believe that India’s Independence Day, usually celebrated on August 15, had been advanced to June. Subsequently, Twitter users had their own theories on what might have slipped him up.
He was taking about Modi being outside India.
— Desi Baba (@kastokan) June 24, 2017
when these Americans will understand that the day Modi leaves for foreign is not indian independence day
— Karan Kumar (@karanku100) June 24, 2017
Spicer may not be around by that time.
— Vikram (@virvikram) June 24, 2017
Hell, Trump might be impeached, jailed even.
Happy 4th of July! Closer at least.
— Amit Mathew (@math919) June 24, 2017
Others, however, thought it kindest to simply supply the correct information.
That is August 15
— Vamanan (@vamananko) June 24, 2017
Spicer’s job as press secretary has been the subject of both derision and sympathy. He has repeatedly been caught up in his own words trying to address controversial and sometimes discombobulating tweets by President Donald Trump. In the past, Spicer has caused worldwide consternation by claiming Adolf Hitler did not use poisonous gases to kill Jews, and also appeared to hide among bushes at the White House to avoid being questioned on one of the many scandals involving the current US administration.