President Donald Trump's choice of iPhone lock screen photo has ignited a firestorm of reactions online, revealing an unexpected glimpse into his personal device preferences that are dividing supporters and critics alike.
According to Daily Mail, Trump was photographed holding his iPhone on Friday after departing Air Force One from Pittsburgh, displaying a lock screen image of himself from July 2019 that shows him pointing straight ahead in a commanding pose.
The image was originally captured by Getty Images photographer Chip Somodevilla when the president was heading to a fundraiser at his Bedminster golf club in New Jersey. Internet sleuths had previously tracked down this specific photo in 2020 when it first appeared in social media shots.
Democrat Harry Sisson took to X to voice his strong disapproval of Trump's phone customization choice. "Trump's lock screen was spotted on his phone last night—and it was a photo of himself. Is that not one of the most narcissistic, self-absorbed things you've ever seen??? Not his family, not his kids, but himself," Sisson wrote.
The lock screen choice sparked heated discussions online, with critics pointing out that Trump opted for a self-portrait rather than photos of his extensive family, including his five children and eleven grandchildren. Many expressed surprise at the omission of family photos, particularly given recent additions to the Trump family.
Trump's latest grandchild, Alexander, born just last month to daughter Tiffany and son-in-law Michael Boulos, was notably absent from the president's phone display, further fueling critics' arguments about his personal priorities.
Conservative influencer Benny Johnson shared the lock screen image with a fire emoji, demonstrating enthusiastic support for Trump's personal choice. His post sparked a wave of positive responses from Trump's base.
Supporters on social media quickly rallied behind the president, with many describing the lock screen as "based" and claiming it possessed "aura." These defenders viewed the choice as a power move rather than a sign of narcissism.
The contrasting interpretations of Trump's phone customization highlighted how even the most personal aspects of the president's life become fodder for political debate and division among Americans.
The viral photo inadvertently revealed more than just Trump's lock screen preferences. A text message from Roger Stone, Trump's longtime advisor who received a presidential pardon during his first term, was visible in the notification area.
Stone's message contained a link to an article titled "Housing market chief Pulte sends blunt message on Fed interest rate cuts" from thestreet.com. The timing of this communication drew attention given Stone's controversial history with the administration.
The message referenced Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), who recently made headlines by alleging that New York AG Letitia James falsified banking documents, adding another layer of intrigue to the exposed communication.
The controversial lock screen photo's emergence coincides with the White House's release of a new official presidential portrait. This formal image shows Trump in a striking close-up shot against a dark background, marking a significant departure from previous presidential portraiture styles.
This new portrait replaced an earlier version that had drawn widespread comparisons to Trump's much-discussed mug shot, signaling a deliberate shift in how the president's image is being presented to the public.
These parallel revelations about Trump's photo preferences—both personal and official—demonstrate how the president's image choices continue to generate substantial public interest and spark intense debate among Americans of all political persuasions.
