A photo appears to show Donald Trump shouting at a Marine One pilot before Xi Jinping's welcome
US President Donald Trump speaks to the pilot while disembarking from Marine One at the John F. Kennedy International Airport (Image: REUTERS)
Donald Trump was photographed appearing to yell at one of the Marine One pilots as he prepared to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, behavior the US president had previously criticized his predecessor Barack Obama for displaying.
The photograph was captured as the US president, who was caught with his blonde aide Natalie Harp as she scurried off, exited Marine One at John F. Kennedy International Airport on September 22, 2026, following his attendance at the annual United Nations General Assembly session.
This occurred one day before Trump received Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, in an unconventional manner. The reception, during which Trump greeted his Chinese counterpart directly on the tarmac, marked the first occasion a US president had personally welcomed a foreign leader at the base since 1962. Rocked Trump's uncomfortable 4-word groan to Xi was exposed by a lip reader.
- Trump's strange reaction after learning Iran's new Supreme Leader's sexuality
- Trump 'winces in pain' as Xi Jinping remains unbothered in humiliating moment
The welcoming ceremony featured a flyover by two B-1 bombers, military service platoons, and a display of both nations' flags and anthems. Trump and his wife conversed with their counterparts, though their remarks were inaudible.
Trump, who donned gloves and an overcoat despite the relatively warm 63 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius) temperature, removed one glove to shake hands with Xi. At one moment, he slapped Xi on the back and spoke to him, though the words couldn't be heard.
The big welcome for Xi Jinping (Image: Al Drago - Pool via CNP/Shutterstock)
"I think they appreciate it, tremendous people," Trump informed reporters upon his return to the White House Wednesday evening. During the ceremony, an old social media post from Donald Trump resurfaced in which he criticized his predecessor Barack Obama for similarly receiving Jinping.
The 2012 tweet from Trump, who was at that time merely a reality television personality and businessman, stated: "So wrong! Barack Obama is hosting China's VP Xi Jinping today at the Pentagon with a full honor ceremony with music and cannons.."
However, circumstances have shifted considerably since then. While using the visit to attempt maintaining "strategic stability" between the two nations, Trump has heaped praise on Xi as a "great leader" and characterized a cordial relationship with the man he has referred to as a friend.
US military personnel unroll the red carpet during Xi Jinping's arrival (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Additional awkward scenes from the reception included military officials seen on their hands and knees rolling out the red carpet for the Chinese president.
Trump was also observed grimacing during the airport arrival ceremony for Jinping as two nuclear-capable B-1 bombers soared above.
As the US President saluted and bared his teeth in apparent pain, Jinping stoically looked forward, barely flinching at the loud noise.
The visit hasn't been well-received by all Republicans.
Sen. Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, condemned the "lavish welcome."
US President Donald Trump salutes as he greets Chinese President Xi Jinping upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on September 23, 2026. Xi is visiting the United States from September 23 to 25. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images) (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Wicker, R-Miss. , stated during a Tuesday Senate speech that Trump should not have extended an invitation to the Chinese leader "based on all of the troubling issues we have with President Xi and the Chinese Communist Party."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the U.S. and China need to interact at the highest levels because the nations represent "the two largest economies in the world" and "probably the two most powerful militaries in the world."