“The Beast”, the nickname for the presidential limousine of the United States, became a trending topic this Friday after the meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska. Media attention and social media engagement skyrocketed when both leaders shared a ride inside “The Beast”, an unusual action that was interpreted as a diplomatic gesture loaded with symbolism.
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The summit, held at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, aimed to discuss a possible ceasefire in the war in Ukraine following the Russian invasion three years ago. However, it was this unprecedented moment, Trump and Putin traveling together in the limousine, that stole the spotlight, generating thousands of memes, videos generated by artificial intelligence, and analyses in media outlets around the world.
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According to reports such as The Economic Times, the shared journey on “The Beast” was a symbolic moment that offered both leaders an opportunity for a private conversation before formal negotiations.
Symbol of power, security, and diplomacy
The images of the transfer of Trump and Putin in “The Beast”, escorted by US military aircraft such as F-22 and B-2, circulated quickly on social media and international media outlets that highlighted the joint presence of the US presidential limousine and the Russian limousine Aurus Senat, both considered among the safest in the world.
The coverage not only revolved around the anecdote, but also around the symbolic and political weight of “The Beast”. Newsweek described the summit as a “geopolitical chess game,” and analysts quoted in The Economic Times expressed concern that Putin could use the meeting to legitimize his international position, especially with these kinds of gestures that project equality among leaders.
The fact that “The Beast” was used by both leaders in Alaska, a territory that in the past belonged to the Russian Empire, added an additional symbolic layer to the meeting.
What makes “The Beast” so special?
The Presidential limousine of the United States, known as “The Beast”, is a highly sophisticated armored vehicle operated by the Secret Service. It is a customized Cadillac, with military-grade armor, 8-inch thick doors, 5-inch bulletproof glass, and the ability to withstand high-caliber chemical, explosive, and fire attacks.
In addition, it features encrypted communication systems, reinforced tires, and a compartment that stores blood type matching that of the president for medical emergencies. It weighs around 9,000 kg, and its cost is around 1.5 million dollars per unit. The Secret Service maintains a fleet of these limousines to ensure security and operational continuity.
For the summit in Alaska, “The Beast” was transported on a C-17 Globemaster plane, as is customary for international trips.
The meeting in Anchorage could have lasting effects on global geopolitics, but for millions of people on social media, the image of Trump and Putin in “The Beast” was the real viral event of the day.