NEED TO KNOW
- Trump welcomed Putin to Alaska with a B-2 stealth bomber flyover and insisted the pilots turn off the stealth setting “so everyone could see it.”
- Putin responded with polite nods while U.S. officials described the display as “a totally normal way to start a peace summit.”
- One Pentagon official admitted the flyover “may not have been strictly necessary.”
Red Carpet, Fighter Jets, and a Very Loud Entrance
President Trump greeted Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson on Friday with a red carpet, four F-35s, and a B-2 bomber roaring overhead. The aircraft came in low and loud as Trump pointed at the sky, clapping with both hands and yelling, “That’s American power right there.” Putin raised his eyebrows and offered a small nod.
White House aides say Trump personally ordered pilots to “turn off all that stealth stuff” in order to show Putin the “shape and angles” of the bomber. Trump also instructed the bomb bay doors to open briefly “just so he knows what’s in there.” The B-2 passed over the runway and tilted its wings like a giant metal eagle doing a salute.
Putin Gives Courtesy Compliment As Jets Circle
After the flyover, Putin told reporters, “It is a very interesting airplane.” Trump responded with, “I know, Vladimir. It’s the best plane in the world. Nobody builds planes like we do.” Putin then posed for photos while the F-35s flew in circles behind them, leaving red, white, and blue smoke trails.
According to pool reporters, Trump paused the greeting ceremony three times to make sure Putin “really saw the wingspan” of the bomber. “Look at that shape,” Trump said. “You don’t get that kind of clean line in Moscow.”
Pentagon Slightly Uncomfortable
One senior Pentagon official, speaking off the record, admitted the flyover “was not part of the original summit plan.” The official added, “We usually deploy a B-2 when we plan to send a quiet message, not when we want to introduce a meeting.”
Trump later told the press that he has asked Boeing and Northrop to design an even bigger bomber “just in case Putin needs to see something even more impressive next time.” Putin smiled politely and got into his car.
Quote of the moment
He nodded, which means he respected it, which means the summit is basically already won
Colton Price, American Airpower Enthusiasts Association
