The U.S. President revealed that he does not sleep during his flights aboard the presidential aircraft.
This came during a speech he gave on Thursday while participating in the “National Prayer Breakfast.”
Trump said he prefers “looking out the window and watching for enemies and missiles, rather than sleeping during flights,” which drew laughter from the audience.
It has long been known that Trump avoids sleeping during his trips on the presidential plane.
During international trips, Trump usually stays in the front cabin and typically does four things: eating, watching TV or reading newspapers, talking with staff, and calling friends and allies.
Following Media and Posting on Social Media
Trump is known to be an avid news follower while flying, spending hours watching recorded news on a DVR-like device and channels such as Fox News and CNN, as well as spending time tweeting or posting on social media platforms.
Holding Meetings with Advisors
Trump prefers an interactive work style; he summons his senior advisors or accompanying journalists to his private cabin for informal discussions about opinion polls, upcoming speeches, or current political crises.
Making Diplomatic and Political Phone Calls
The presidential aircraft is a fully integrated command center; therefore, Trump uses the time to make phone calls with world leaders, members of Congress, or his political allies, as the plane is equipped with encrypted and secure communication systems.
Dietary Routine and Food Preferences
Several reports indicated that Trump prefers to eat fast food on the plane, such as McDonald’s or KFC, along with large quantities of Diet Coke. The plane has two kitchens capable of feeding 100 people at once, but he prefers very specific meals.
Trump focuses on following the media during his trips and holds press conferences and posts on social media.
Air Force One
The U.S. presidential aircraft is a flying command center with an area of 4,000 square feet distributed over 3 floors. The plane also features the ability to refuel in mid-air, giving it unlimited flight range to reach any point in the world at any time.
Logistically, the plane provides a fully integrated presidential suite containing an office and a meeting room, in addition to a medically equipped surgical suite with a permanent doctor on board. The aircraft, which bears the presidential seal and the American flag, is operated by the “Presidential Airlift Group” under the White House Military Office, which was established in 1944.
Tokyo
Tokyo, originally a small fishing village called Edo, became Japan’s political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his shogunate there. It was renamed Tokyo (“Eastern Capital”) in 1868 when the emperor moved his residence from Kyoto, transforming it into the modern capital and one of the world’s most populous metropolitan areas.
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia with a rich cultural history spanning millennia, from its ancient Shinto traditions and imperial rule to the feudal era of samurai and the modernizing Meiji Restoration. Today, it is known for blending deep historical heritage, such as its numerous temples and castles, with cutting-edge technology and global pop culture.
South Korea
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia that emerged from the division of the Korean Peninsula after World War II and the Korean War (1950-1953). It has since transformed from a war-torn nation into a major global economy and technological powerhouse, known for its vibrant pop culture (K-pop, K-dramas), historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace, and dynamic cities such as Seoul.
Air Force One
Air Force One is the official air traffic control call sign for any United States Air Force aircraft carrying the President of the United States. The most recognizable planes are two highly customized Boeing 747-200B series aircraft, which entered service in 1990 and are equipped with advanced secure communications and defensive systems.
ASEAN
ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a regional intergovernmental organization founded in 1967 by five founding members to promote political and economic cooperation and stability. It has since expanded to include ten member states, playing a central role in fostering regional integration, economic growth, and diplomatic dialogue in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian nation formed in 1963 through the union of former British territories. Its history is marked by ancient maritime kingdoms, colonial influence, and a diverse cultural blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions. Today, it is known for its vibrant cities, rainforests, and iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers.
Japanese Emperor Naruhito
Emperor Naruhito is the current and 126th Emperor of Japan, ascending to the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019 following the abdication of his father, Emperor Akihito. His reign is named Reiwa, meaning “beautiful harmony,” and he is a modern constitutional monarch who has studied history and served as a symbol of the state and unity of the Japanese people.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
Sanae Takaichi is a Japanese politician who has served as a member of the House of Representatives since 1993 and held several cabinet positions. She notably served as Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications and, in 2024, was appointed as the first female chairperson of the Liberal Democratic Party’s Policy Research Council.
National Prayer Breakfast
The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual event held in Washington, D.C., since 1953, traditionally hosted by members of the United States Congress. It brings together political, diplomatic, and religious leaders for a non-denominational gathering intended to foster personal relationships and spiritual reflection. The event is rooted in the Christian fellowship movement and is organized by a private foundation, though it features prominent political figures, including the sitting U.S. President.
Joint Base Andrews
Joint Base Andrews is a United States Air Force facility located in Maryland, serving as the primary airfield for presidential travel, most notably supporting Air Force One. It was established in 2003 through the merger of the former Andrews Air Force Base and Naval Air Facility Washington, though its origins date back to its opening as Camp Springs Army Air Field in 1943.
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state founded in 1632 as an English colony and proprietary province for the Catholic Calvert family, intended as a haven for religious tolerance. It played a pivotal role in early American history, with its state capital, Annapolis, serving as the temporary U.S. capital in the 1780s and the site of the 1786 Annapolis Convention.
Fox News
Fox News is a major American cable and satellite television news channel founded in 1996 by media mogul Rupert Murdoch. It was established to provide a conservative perspective in news broadcasting and has since become a highly influential and politically polarizing media outlet in the United States.
CNN
CNN (Cable News Network) is a major American cable television news channel founded in 1980 by media proprietor Ted Turner. It was the first television network to provide 24-hour news coverage and pioneered the concept of live, around-the-clock news broadcasting.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s is an American fast-food restaurant chain founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald, which was later expanded globally by businessman Ray Kroc. It is one of the world’s largest restaurant chains and a prominent symbol of fast food and globalized consumer culture.
KFC
KFC, or Kentucky Fried Chicken, is an American fast-food restaurant chain founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1952, known for its signature fried chicken prepared with a secret blend of herbs and spices. It has grown into one of the world’s largest restaurant chains, symbolizing globalized fast-food culture.
Diet Coke
Diet Coke is a sugar-free cola beverage introduced by The Coca-Cola Company in 1982 as a calorie-free alternative to Coca-Cola Classic. It was developed in response to growing consumer interest in healthier soft drink options and quickly became one of the world’s most popular diet sodas.
Washington, DC
Washington, D.C., is the capital city of the United States, founded in 1790 following the Residence Act to serve as the new nation’s federal district. It was designed by Pierre Charles L’Enfant and is home to iconic landmarks like the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the National Mall, which symbolize American government and history.
West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is a city in southeastern Florida, founded in 1894 as a planned community to serve the nearby resort island of Palm Beach. It developed as a commercial and agricultural hub, growing significantly during the Florida land boom of the 1920s and later becoming a center for finance and culture in the region.
Florida
Florida is a southeastern U.S. state known for its extensive coastline, theme parks, and unique Everglades ecosystem. It was first colonized by Spain in the 16th century, changed hands between Spain and Britain, and became a U.S. territory in 1821 before achieving statehood in 1845. Its history is deeply shaped by Native American cultures, Spanish colonial influence, and later development driven by agriculture, tourism, and space exploration.
American flag
The American flag, also known as “Old Glory” or “The Stars and Stripes,” was first adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. Its design of 13 alternating red and white stripes and a blue canton with white stars has evolved over time, with stars added to represent each new state in the union.
Presidential Airlift Group
The Presidential Airlift Group is a specialized unit of the South African Air Force responsible for providing air transport for the President and other high-ranking officials. It was established in 1994 following the country’s transition to democracy, evolving from previous state transport units to serve the new government.
White House Military Office
The White House Military Office is a support unit within the Executive Office of the President, responsible for providing military services and logistics to the President, including transportation via Air Force One and Marine One. It was formally established in 1957, though its functions trace back to earlier presidential administrations, and it coordinates key operations like the White House Communications Agency and the Presidential Emergency Operations Center.
