People are talking about Donald Trump on social media again, but this time it’s not about his political views, public rallies or court proceedings.
The whole issue is linked to his phone.
Yes, really.
It was apparent earlier this week in photos that Trump left Air Force One. As he gets off the plane, he is holding his iPhone.
It was possible for photographers to snap his lock screen by simply rotating their camera phones.
The findings that were revealed caused social media to explode.
A Lock Screen That Created a Huge Controversy
There was a certain image shown on Trump’s phone as the background picture.
Trump is seen in the photo, clutching an umbrella and pointing straight at the camera.
Sunny looks especially captivating and, in a way, like a movie character. He is wearing a dark coat and a red tie and is pointing with his finger to the camera.
The photo has already been taken before. In 2019, photographer Chip Somodevilla from Getty took the picture. It showed Trump heading for the press, ready to go to his golf club in Bedminster directly from the White House.
Years have gone by since then and that same image is now on the screen of the man’s personal phone.
People Are Expressing Admiration, Feeling Confused and Mocking Trump
When a photo of Trump’s phone lock screen went viral on the internet, everyone had a quick reaction.
The reaction of some users showed amusement. There were people who could not understand the change. In the end, a lot of people couldn’t stop poking fun at what they regarded as insane self-absorption.
It’s hard to believe that he has chosen a picture of himself pointing at people as his phone’s lock screen. Users on Twitter said, “That’s how main characters feel like!”
Some said it was “classic Trump,” “peak narcissism,” or just laughed of the event by commenting on platforms like X (previously Twitter), Threads and Reddit.
As expected, people soon created memes.
Some people edited Trump into popular motion pictures. Others included speech bubbles over their lock screen images and wrote things such as, “You.” Yes, YOU are the fake news we keep hearing about.”
Most of us have seen this photo — and this type of behavior — before.
People have noticed that this photo has appeared before on President Trump’s phone.
More of the same was noticed during Trump’s golf outing in 2023.
A new allegation came up in 2024 when Trump was on Air Force One.
In every picture, Trump stands there with a serious look, pointing at the camera in the same way.
It is one of his favorite topics.
Because of Trump’s habit of managing his public image, returning often to this picture probably isn’t just coincidence.
Supporters believe: What’s all the Fuss About?
Critics quickly used the moment to mock Trump, but other people did not find it peculiar.
A number of people defended the decision to use the girl’s picture as the lock screen.
They claimed that many people may have their own pictures as their phone backgrounds.
Many users said, “This isn’t something new.” The image of the best president ever is kept on Trump’s phone. What kind of question is that and why wouldn’t he?
It was pointed out that celebrities, influencers and even ordinary people do the same and use personal photos — selfies included — as their lock screens.
Trump and the Promotion of a Strong Cult of Personality
At first sight, the viral phone screen clip could appear to be a trivial event.
However, it goes beyond the obvious and connects with a part of Trump’s personality people already know about.
Gold-covered buildings and his name on many items show how Trump has built an image bigger than most people.
He uses his image to protect himself, frighten enemies and promote his brand all at the same time.
Under this reasoning, placing a picture of himself in a powerful position on the lock screen isn’t so unexpected.
In several respects, it strengthens the image he has worked on for years.
It is not the Only Way Images have Changed in the Last Few Years
On top of this phone incident, Trump just updated his official portrait at the White House.
In the new picture, his look is neutral, unlike the mean ones he had before.
The new portrait is a better choice for Trump because the earlier one made him look too tough and he wanted something more subdued.
Both images point to the fact that Trump is involved in the way he wants to look.
He appreciates the importance of image and is not leaving any detail undone.
The event exploded because of its timing, the tone and Trump.
During usual news, there wouldn’t be much attention given to a politician’s phone wallpaper.
Still, Trump isn’t like other politicians and the mainstream media isn’t typical now.
Anything he does is noticed more by the fans. Whenever a politician acts, speaks or uses social media, people carefully review, copy and discuss it.
The phone lock screen didn’t just act as a lock screen for him. For some people, it became a symbol, an important moment on the internet or even a joke.
Again, Mr. Trump has not spoken up directly on the incident. No denial. No confirmation. Just silence.
Allowing the image to show its own story.
Even if you see Trump’s phone picture as funny, embarrassing or strange, apparently it hit a nerve with the public.
His move made people remember how much he shapes his public persona and how swiftly things can go out of control on the internet.
Because politics and pop culture are so closely linked these days, something as simple as a lock screen can become viral.
When Donald Trump is in the White House? You can believe in it.