This time, much of the chatter about Donald Trump on social media has nothing to do with politics.
The main point revolves around his phone.
Yes, really.
Pictures taken earlier this week display Trump leaving Air Force One. Once out of the plane, he holds his iPhone as he walks onto the tarmac.
Simply turning the device slightly, photographers were able to photograph the design on his lock screen.
The information that was shared exploded on social media.
A Lock Screen That Caused Sweeping Criticism
What’s on Trump’s phone as the lock screen image?
A picture of Trump making a dramatic point directly at the viewer.
Her stance is quite dramatic and looks almost like a scene from a movie. He is wearing a dark coat and a red tie, his arm outstretched and his finger on the camera lens.
This photo was taken some time before. In 2019, Chip Somodevilla from Getty Photography captured this photo. It showed Trump walking to reporters outside the White House on his way to Bedminster.
Now, instead of appearing on a magazine, the same photo is visible to the singer every time he looks down at his phone.
Many people are appreciative, while some feel confused and many more are mercilessly mocking.
When Trump’s phone lock screen was shown, people responded immediately and strongly.
Certain users found it enjoyable. For other people, it seemed hard to understand. A lot of people found it amusing when the rock star seemed to be only interested in herself.
“He always has a picture of him pointing at people right on his screen? I’m reminded of a main character right here,” wrote one person on Twitter.
Others used terms such as “peak narcissism” or just “classic Trump,” spreading jokes on different websites and platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Threads and Reddit.
Soon enough, memes about the incident started appearing.
Some people digitally placed Trump’s image into famous films for a joke. Others also added speech bubbles to their lock screen pictures with messages such as “You.” It turns out, YOU are the fake news all along.”
We have Seen this Photo — Or this Behavior — Before
People have noticed that this photo has appeared on Trump’s phone before.
Fans had similar moments at a golf tournament in 2023.
Yet another incident took place in 2024 when Trump was traveling on Air Force One.
Every time, Trump appears in the shot, facing the camera, serious and concentrated.
Mr. Gates loves talking about this subject.
Since Trump is known for controlling his image, it’s likely he purposes to keep going back to this particular photo.
Those in Favor explain: What’s It All About?
Critics criticized Trump, but there were also people who saw the move as normal.
Some people who support him defended the way he chose the lock screen.
It was pointed out that lots of people regularly use their own photos as the background for their phones.
Someone commented, saying “This is nothing new.” Trump keeps an image of the greatest president of all time on his phone. Why be different?
It was also noted that people, celebrities or influencers might use their own photos as screen protectors.
A Related Topic: Trump and the Growth of His Personality Cult
At first sight, the viral phone screen moment might appear silly.
At the same time, it highlights something deeper that has always been a part of Trump’s image.
Trump has worked hard to create an image of himself that stands out and towers over everyone else.
His appearance protects him, attacks others and promotes his actions.
When seen through this light, it makes sense that his lock screen image shows him in a leading position.
In several respects, it helps him maintain the public persona he has built for many years.
This Is Not the Only Recents Change in the Family’s Appearance
Coming just after the new portrait was chosen for Trump’s official White House image, this minor phone screen issue is now the source of concern.
In the latest photo, he is not scowling as much as he was before; his expression is more balanced.
According to Trump, the old picture made him seem too severe and powerful, so the new portrait captures his preferred image.
It is obvious in both the artwork and the phone screen that Trump is very concerned with his appearance and impact.
He is aware of how important appearances are and he doesn’t want to leave anything up to luck.
The reason for its success: It came at the right moment, its style matched the mob’s and Trump made it popular.
Normally, a news cycle wouldn’t include stories about politicians’ phone backgrounds.
Nevertheless, Trump isn’t like other politicians and today’s press environment is unlike anything we’ve ever seen.
Every single thing he does is multiplied. Each movement, spoken comment and social media update is noticed, shared as a meme and argued over.
When his phone opened on the lock screen, it revealed something more important than a lock screen. It became an image, an online sensation and — for a number of individuals — a running joke.
Of course, Trump himself hasn’t specifically acknowledged what has happened. No denial. No confirmation. Just silence.
Showing the image in a way that allows it to express itself.
People either laughed at, cringed at or found Trump’s lock screen photo plainly weird, but it still managed to draw a reaction.
This incident reminded people that he pays close attention to his image and even the smallest details can cause a big reaction online.
Now that politics and pop culture are so closely connected, a lock screen can easily go viral.
But when have we been dealing with Donald Trump? You can trust it.
