House of Cards has field day with Sean Spicer's upside down flag pin

The popular Netflix political series House of Cards and its fictional leader Frank Underwood were among the many chiming in on social media after Sean Spicer wore a U.S. flag pin upside down during a White House press conference Friday.

The U.S. press secretary tried to turnthe pin right-side up when the mistake was flagged to him by Fox news reporter John Roberts.

"John Roberts, always helping with the fashion tips," Spicer joked.

Another reporter pointed out it was still upside down.

"Thank you, I appreciate that," Spicer said.

"House of Cards," someone joked.

"No, there's no promo," Spicer replied.

Or so he thought.

House of Cards didn't miss anopportunity to capitalize on the moment.

Sean Spicer addresses his upside down flag pin

8 years ago

Duration 0:20

White House press secretary assures reporters he's not trying to promote the series House of Cards as he fixes pin on his lapel

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A tweet was posted soon after from the show's official Twitter account with a link to the mishap: "Your loyalty has not gone unnoticed."

The free advertising was priceless, given the latest trailer for the dark series about political corruption and powerreveals an upside down flag promotingits upcoming fifth season.

House of Cards stars Kevin Spacey aspower-hungry Americanleader, Frank Underwood. The character'ssocial media account often responds to real-life political happenings.

The show's creator, Beau Willimon, an open critic of U.S. President Donald Trump, also referenced the incident in a tweet.

Upside down flag means'dire distress'

According to U.S. federal law,the flag "should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."

Spicer, who has been recentlymocked on Saturday Night LivewithMelissa McCarthy portraying him as uptight and hostile towards reporters, appeared to take the moment lightly in an otherwise serious news conference discussing the conflict in Syria and plans for a U.S. border wall with Mexico.

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