Air Force One escorted into Seoul by four F-16s, Internet says ‘power and peace fly best together’

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: Air Force One was flanked by four roaring F-16s as they escorted President Donald Trump en route to South Korea.

Trump’s touchdown in South Korea on Wednesday, October 29, marked the start of a high-stakes leg of his Asia tour. The president flew in from Tokyo, landing at Gimhae International Airport in the southern city of Busan, just ahead of key meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju.

Social media reacts to Trump being escorted by four F-16s

Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President and Communications Advisor, posted a striking video on X showing two Republic of Korea Air Force F-16s and two US Air Force F-16s escorting Air Force One in formation. Social media lit up instantly as Trump supporters marveled at the dramatic display.

"Power and peace fly best when they travel together. Beneath every flag that rises in unity, the world catches a glimpse of hope," one user posted on X.

"That must be one of a hell sight live. Wow!" another gushed.

"That is a stunning show of absolute, iron-clad alliance strength!" someone else added.

"This is what WINNING is like. God Bless our country and our Peace President Donald J Trump. He is one bada** m*f*..." one comment read.

"The guy is a machine... If I go to the store and the bank in the same day I need a nap!" another quipped.  

Trump honored in South Korea amid $350 billion trade talks

South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported that President Donald Trump and President Lee Jae Myung were scheduled to meet later on Wednesday at the Gyeongju National Museum for their second summit in just two months. All eyes are on whether the two leaders will finalize the framework for a major trade deal first agreed upon in July.

The deal, which remains pending, reportedly includes a South Korean investment of US$350 billion into the United States, with Washington agreeing to reduce “reciprocal” tariffs from 25% to 15%. However, the fine print of the investment package is still being negotiated.

During the visit, Trump was presented with South Korea’s highest honor, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, along with a glittering gold crown. The president quipped, “I’d like to wear it right now.”

Trump to meet Xi Jinping in Busan amid rising North Korea tensions

While the visit to Gyeongju focused on strengthening the US–South Korea alliance, the real game-changer is expected on Thursday, when President Donald Trump meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan. It will be their first face-to-face meeting since 2019.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump remains open to re-engaging North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, even hinting that he might extend his stay in South Korea if Pyongyang shows interest. However, Kim had not responded as of publication. Instead, North Korea flexed its military power, test-firing sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles in the Yellow Sea, just hours before Trump’s arrival.

Trump brushed off the apparent provocation while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to South Korea. “I think we’re going to have a very good outcome for our country and for the world, actually,” he said of his upcoming talks with Xi.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump is expected to use the Busan Summit to negotiate a deal that would see the US cut tariffs on Chinese goods from 20% to 10% if Beijing agrees to crack down on the export of fentanyl precursor chemicals fueling the US opioid crisis.

Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry said the upcoming meeting will “inject new momentum into the development of US-China relations,” adding that both sides are “ready to work together for positive outcomes.” 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.