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Trump winces at military flyover during Xi summit, drawing sharp criticism

During a summit with Xi Jinping, Donald Trump visibly flinched as a military jet passed overhead, prompting a wave of mockery and concern about his health.

While hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping, Donald Trump reacted sharply to the sound of a B-1 Lancer flyover, ducking and showing a strained expression. The moment was seized upon by liberal commentators who mocked his apparent frailty and compared it unfavorably to Xi's stoic presence. One analyst linked the response to possible frontotemporal dementia, citing the sound overload on Trump's nervous system.

A pro-Trump pundit framed the incident as a humorous surprise, downplaying any significance. Psychiatrist David M. Reiss, speaking, argued that the press treats the episode as mere style rather than a sign of serious mental health concerns. He urged that if a friend exhibited similar behavior, professional help would be recommended.

Why it matters

The incident fuels debate over the president's fitness for office and how media coverage frames health concerns.

In this story

military flyoversummithealth concernsmedia criticismpsychiatristfrontotemporal dementiaB-1 Lancersocial media reaction
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