Trump Sits at the Head Table as European Leaders Line Up in Chairs
White House Emphasizes "Peace through Strength"
European Media Criticize the Scene as "Humiliating"
A photo of a multilateral meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders, released by the White House, has sparked controversy. In the photo, President Trump is seated alone at the head of the table, while the other leaders are lined up in chairs without desks, prompting reactions in Europe calling the scene "humiliating."
Trump Alone at the Head Table, European Leaders Seated Around Him
Photo of a private conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders released by the White House. Screenshot from X
On August 20 (local time), the White House posted a photo on its official X account (formerly Twitter) showing President Trump sitting at his desk in the Oval Office, with European leaders lined up in chairs without desks facing him. The photo included the phrase "Peace through strength." The post added the description, "President Trump is the president of peace."
The main issue lies in the seating arrangement, which appears to violate established diplomatic protocol. When multiple heads of state gather, it is customary to use a round table or similar arrangement so that no one occupies the head seat. This is intended to ensure that all leaders can speak from an equal position.
However, in this photo, President Trump is positioned at his desk, occupying the head seat, while the other leaders appear to be lined up facing him, as if they are his audience. In another photo, some European leaders are even seen taking notes on his remarks, leading to criticism that "it looks like President Trump and his students."
European Public Opinion Stirs... UK Media: "Trump Looks Like He's Scolding Students"
Photo of a private conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders released by the White House. Screenshot from X
In Europe, reactions have described the scene as "humiliating." The UK's Independent reported local online reactions, saying, "President Trump looks like he's scolding misbehaving students." Other comments included, "An unbearably insulting scene," "I wonder if European leaders agreed to such a rude situation," "Truly self-centered," "Trump is sitting alone in an authoritarian manner," and "So embarrassing."
This scene is particularly noteworthy because it is a stark contrast to the atmosphere during the 2018 G7 summit, when German Chancellor Angela Merkel and others confronted President Trump. Some observers have commented that "it vividly illustrates Europe's dependence on the United States."
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