US Politics
Questions raised after ‘The Beast’ is driven in Florida with the trunk open
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Viral pictures of Donald Trump’s car being driven with its trunk open in Florida over the weekend have raised questions about the president’s security.
Eyebrows were raised after the images of ‘The Beast’ emerged on Sunday as President Trump headed to Palm Beach International Airport to make the journey back to Washington after a weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort.
Photographers from several news agencies captured the unusual sight, which showed Trump’s silhouette in the back seat while the trunk of his car was wide open behind him.
It is unclear why the trunk was open, or whether the incident could have compromised the president’s security. However, officials stated that the unusual incident had no impact on the president’s journey.
In a statement, the Secret service said: “During the motorcade from Mar-A-Lago to Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) one of the motorcade vehicle’s trunks inadvertently opened and remained in the upright position for a portion of the motorcade route.
“No items were lost or displaced while in transit. The issue was determined to be mechanical in nature, has been identified, and has since been repaired.”
Speaking to CNN’s Samantha Waldenberg, a Secret Service spokesperson insisted the open trunk had “no impact” on the motorcade’s movement, vehicle systems, or equipment.
The moment has sparked speculation online, with people coming up with possible—and humorous—explanations as to why the president’s vehicle was traveling in the strange fashion.
One blamed the ongoing government shutdown, writing on X: “Secret service not being paid during the govt shut down? Trunk open? What do they care, let Trump shut it himself.”
Another referenced President Trump’s alleged friendship with the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, writing: “So that’s where they’re hiding the Epstein Files!”.
But others were quick to point out the mistake and question his staff: “The trunk of the Beast was left open while Trump was heading to the airport in Florida. (great staff),” one wrote on BlueSky.
Officials are secretive about the contents of The Beast’s trunk. In 2013, Autoweek reported it stored “extra weapons, a separate oxygen supply under the president’s seat and emergency medical equipment, including bottles of the president’s blood type”.
The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.
