Trump Posts Image of Two Men Before U.S. and Chinese Flags

ByRichard Miniter

First Published: October 4, 2026, 1:13 PM ET

WASHINGTON D.C. — Donald J. Trump posted an image on Truth Social showing two men in dark navy business suits standing before a backdrop of alternating American and Chinese flags in what appears to be a formal diplomatic setting.

Here is the full post on truthsocial: “truthsocial post containing one image showing: Formal wear, Flag, Blazer, Flag of the United States, Collar, Suit, Necktie, White-collar worker.” on October 4, 2026 at 1:05 PM ET.

This is Trump’s 17th message released today, and the last post was 0 minutes ago, and it is not part of a thread. On average, Trump produces 18 posts per day since his inauguration on January 20, 2025. The move fits a broader pattern in Trump’s recent messaging, with 153 of his 566 posts over the last 30 days classified as image-only posts.

One man wears a red necktie and displays a small American flag lapel pin; the other wears a dark burgundy necktie. Chinese flags bearing red fields and gold stars alternate with Stars and Stripes across the backdrop, consistent with a standard bilateral meeting photo opportunity. No text or documents appear in the image, and neither individual has been identified.

Zenger analysis

Photo by  Zenger analysis

President Trump is the author of Trump: The Art of the Deal, Trump: Think Like a Billionaire: Everything You Need to Know About Success, Real Estate, and Life, and Think Big: Make It Happen in Business and Life. Analyst and Trump supporter Rod Martin points to The Art of the Deal, Trump's 1987 book, as an explanation of his deal-making philosophy: making big announcements, pivoting often in public statements and, Martin says, ultimately getting what he wanted all along. Critics contend that Trump's books were published decades ago or were aimed at making money, not shedding light. "Generally," Martin said, "critics don't read The Art of the Deal. If they did, they would understand."