Trump Jokes During Air Force One Turbulence

Air Force One encountered strong turbulence over Asia as President Donald Trump returned to Washington from a three‑nation Asia tour (Malaysia, Japan and South Korea) that included the APEC summit. Midflight, Trump joked to reporters that the bumps would prompt the “liberal media” to say he had “the shakes,” and quipped they could have delayed interviews, appearing to try to control optics. He called his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping “a 12,” and said they discussed cooperation on the war in Ukraine and that China had authorized purchases of large amounts of U.S. farm goods, including soybeans and sorghum. Video of the exchange spread on X and drew polarized reactions, with supporters praising his humor and critics using it to amplify questions about his health amid recent medical checkups, including an MRI. The bumpy flight capped the trip and unfolded against domestic pressures, including a prolonged government shutdown, turning the turbulence into a moment for Trump to shape public narratives about his demeanor, foreign‑policy claims and fitness.