Trump flinched next to China’s Xi during a military flyover - and it became an instant meme
Commenters skewered Trump for what they described as an over-the-top, comic reaction
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President Donald Trump displayed a surprising reaction during a military flyover alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping — and it became an instant meme.
The viral incident occurred during a red-carpet ceremony put on for Xi at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday. The Chinese leader is in the U.S. for a high-stakes summit with Trump .
As the two men stood side by side on the tarmac, a pair of B-1 bombers flew overhead, and the supersonic aircraft produced an overpowering roaring sound.
The 80-year-old Republican president, whose gloved hand was lifted to his brow in a salute, glanced upward before dramatically closing his eyes and wincing. Meanwhile, Xi appeared unresponsive during the planned flyover.
The moment quickly took on a life of its own on social media, with commenters skewering Trump for what they described as an over-the-top, comic reaction. Others marveled at his seemingly unfailing ability to produce a memorable photograph.
“Hang it in the Louvre,” wrote one X commenter, using a popular internet phrase used for photos or moments described as visual masterpieces.
Another user superimposed an image of Natalie Harp , Trump’s loyal assistant, by the president’s side as he winced. She is seen holding a comically large pile of bags, a MAGA hat and red tie.
Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex offender who previously socialized with Trump, also featured in one of the memes. An X user portrayed the deceased financier behind the president, captioning the post: "Sudden flashbacks to the past.”
Trump’s dramatic wince, in the eyes of some users, made him appear weaker than Xi — and that sentiment came through in a number of memes. One depicted Xi as a hypermasculine man with a pronounced jawline with the caption “mogged,” a term that means being completely outshined or made to look inferior.
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