While the American national anthem played, two B-1 bombers flew overhead. The noise was so loud that Trump visibly winced. He briefly ducked his head before smiling at Chinese President Xi Jinping. The jets were loud enough to make the President flinch in apparent pain, as noted by the Washington Examiner. Xi, 73, appeared unmoved by the display.
This was a clear break from normal protocol. Presidents typically wait inside the White House for these visits. Trump chose to meet Xi right where the plane landed. The Daily Wire reported that this decision marked a departure from how things are usually done.
The ceremony included music from the Air Force band and ceremonial cannon fire. Workers even had to smooth out the red carpet while Chinese officials watched from the plane. The Washington Examiner noted this brief delay as part of the event.
Trump, 80, stood there as the heavy jets roared past. The Daily Wire stated that he appeared to remark on the noise to Xi. Xi did not visibly react to the flyover at all. It was a moment of high tension and strange contrast.
First Lady Melania Trump defended the choice later that morning. She said Xi was “coming on our soil” and that the United States should “welcome them with the most respect”. Her words explained why the red carpet was laid out in the first place. It was about showing power, not just politeness.
Trump received a much smaller welcome when he visited Beijing in May. At the airport, he was greeted by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng then. This time, the tables were turned. The Daily Wire highlighted this difference in how the two leaders treated each other.
Here is the thing. The loud jets were meant to send a message. They showed that the U.S. still has the power to make noise. Trump did not flinch for long. He smiled and kept talking.
Xi stayed stoic. He did not show fear or surprise. But the fact remains that the American President chose a very aggressive spot for this meeting. It was not a quiet handshake in an office. It was a show of force on the runway.
