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By Thea Glassman February 22, 2017

Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, President Trump’s pick for national security adviser, once paid an unexpected homage to George Costanza.

Jake Tapper unearthed a clip of McMaster making a Seinfeld reference while discussing military strategy back in 2015.

“The time that Lt Gen McMaster compared Rapid Decisive Operations to George Costanza leaving on a high note,” Tapper tweeted.

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In the clip, McMaster explained a military strategy in terms of a classic George Costanza move: always “leav[ing] on a high note.”

For those of you who aren’t diehard Seinfeld fans, he’s referring to the show’s episode “The Burning,” when George learns to always leave the room after he’s made a particularly good zinger.

The mention wasn’t lost on Jason Alexander, who took to Twitter to address McMaster’s shout-out.

“Yes, I’m so proud….. dear God 🙁 ,” Alexander wrote.

After receiving flack from Trump supporters for his seemingly negative response, Alexander followed up with a clarifier.

“My comment intended no disrespect to Gen. McMaster, who seems a fine man,” Alexander wrote. “Just the weirdness of any leader quoting George.”

Thea Glassman is an Associate Editor at the Forward. Reach her at glassman@forward.com or on Twitter at @theakglassman.

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