DIGITAL LIFE

Trump’s iPhone

Curiosity about the technological devices used by world leaders has always existed, and the phone of the President of the United States (POTUS) is no exception. From the days of the BlackBerry to the ubiquitous smartphones, every choice and setting is scrutinized. Recently, a photo of the lock screen of Donald Trump’s iPhone has once again sparked debate, revealing an image that is generating diverse interpretations.

If we go back in time, we realize that this is nothing new. In 2009, then-President Barack Obama used a BlackBerry 8830 World Edition, equipped with special software. Obama, a known fan of BlackBerry devices, reached an agreement with the NSA that allowed him to use his BlackBerry for personal purposes, while a Selectra Edge (based on the Palm Treo 750 and running Windows Mobile) was his device for secure communications.

Over time, and perhaps influenced by his daughters, both iPhone users, Obama seems to have become more interested in Apple products. Despite receiving an iPad 2 directly from Steve Jobs in 2011, two years later, during an event at the White House, Obama told a group of young people that he was not allowed to have an iPhone “for security reasons.”

With the election of Donald Trump in 2016, we saw a shift in the way a president communicated with the public, with Twitter (now “X”) taking center stage. During his first term, Trump used two separate iPhones. One was dedicated to writing his famous tweets, and of course had the app installed. The second iPhone was used exclusively for making and receiving phone calls. At the time, it was reported that these phones may have an unsecured microphone and camera.

Following the interregnum and his return to the White House earlier this year, recent photographs confirm that Donald Trump continues to rely on an iPhone for his communication needs. It is important to note that all of the president’s communication needs are managed by the White House Communications Agency (WHCA). This means that any potential price increases in future iPhone models, due to tariffs or other factors, will not directly cost the president any additional money.

A recent photo captured by Reuters and circulated on Twitter showed Trump’s iPhone lock screen quite clearly. The image chosen by the president is a photograph of him, looking serious, pointing his finger directly at the camera.

Unsurprisingly, this choice has not gone unnoticed, and interpretations are divided. On the one hand, some argue that the photograph shows a strong president, in a pose that suggests he is ready to take action to defend the country. This perspective aligns with the image of toughness that Trump seeks to convey.

On the other hand, those who are not his supporters see the image quite differently. For this group, the choice is described as “one of the most narcissistic and self-centered things you will ever see.” The main criticism is that the president chose a photograph of himself, rather than an image of his family, his children, or any other image that was not centered on him.

This divergence of opinion underscores how even the smallest details, such as a lock screen image, can become a point of discussion and reflect the public’s differing perceptions of a political figure. Regardless of how one interprets it, the episode demonstrates the ongoing fascination and scrutiny surrounding the lives and choices, even technological ones, of those who hold the nation’s highest office.

mundophone