Donald Trump startled by the sound of a fighter jet

Donald Trump was caught by surprise during a military welcome ceremony for Chinese President Xi Jinping, visibly reacting to the sudden roar of a fighter jet overhead. The moment took place as Trump greeted Xi on the tarmac of an airport near Washington, where the Chinese leader had arrived for a state visit. Video of the encounter, released by France 24, shows the noise interrupting the formal proceedings and prompting Trump's face to run through a quick succession of surprised looks. The 17-second clip captures the two leaders standing together as honors were rendered for Xi's arrival, with the unexpected sound apparently unsettling the US president in view of the cameras. Trump's reaction unfolded in real time as the ceremony continued around him, his expression shifting visibly the moment the jet passed overhead. Published on September 24, 2026, the footage offers no further detail beyond the brief exchange between the two leaders and the disruption caused by the aircraft noise, focusing narrowly on the instant the jet's sound broke through the ceremony and drew a visible reaction from Trump. The clip offered no commentary or explanation beyond what was visible on screen, presenting the fighter jet's noise as the sole trigger for Trump's reaction during the welcoming ceremony. No indication was given of any response from Xi Jinping or other officials present, with the footage concentrating entirely on Trump's brief but visible startle as the aircraft's sound cut across the tarmac.

Summarized by PolitiKool from France 24’s reporting. Read the full story at France 24 →