Watch the Remarkable Moment a B-2 Flyover Took Place with Trump and Putin on the Tarmac

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An Unusual Meeting in Alaska
At Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, an extraordinary scene unfolded as President Donald Trump welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin. Just as the two leaders walked side by side on the tarmac, a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber passed overhead, escorted by four F-35 fighter jets. The roar of engines pulled eyes upward, including Putinโs, who then made a quiet remark to Trump as they continued walking.
The flyover was more than a ceremonial moment. It was both a display of American air power and a reminder of the countryโs reach at the exact time the two presidents prepared for their first in-person meeting since Trumpโs return to office. Alaska was chosen deliberately. Its proximity to Russia, yet firm grounding on American soil, made it both strategic and symbolic.
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Public Reaction and Symbolism
The event quickly spread beyond the air base. In Anchorage, residents watched from rooftops and roadways, while online commentators called the flyover โan insane flex.โ Some pointed out the B-2โs combat record, noting its recent use in strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. That mission, carried out with Israeli support, had seen the aircraft drop deep-penetrating bombsโactions that drew global attention and mixed reactions from governments and the public.
For many observers, the B-2โs appearance during Trump and Putinโs greeting carried more weight than words. It was a visual statement, timed to highlight Americaโs unmatched technological edge and the seriousness of the discussions about to begin.
The B-2 Spirit and Its Rare Presence
The B-2 Spirit, built by Northrop Grumman, remains one of the most advanced military aircraft ever developed. Its design is instantly recognizableโa flying wing with no tail, covered in radar-absorbent materials that make it nearly invisible to detection. Capable of flying more than 6,000 nautical miles without refueling, it can strike targets across the globe and carry either conventional or nuclear weapons.
Fewer than twenty are in service today, and with only 21 ever built, each appearance is rare and intentional. The aircraft is a cornerstone of the U.S. nuclear triad, and its presence at Elmendorf-Richardson was no coincidence. Online, one viewer wrote, โAbsolutely incredible,โ while another commented, โPutin now knows what will be greeting him if he ever crosses that line.โ
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From the Tarmac to the Talks
After the flyover, Putin joined Trump inside โThe Beast,โ the armored presidential limousine. They drove past a line of American fighter aircraft positioned along the runway, a silent backdrop emphasizing the stakes. Their motorcade carried them to a secure meeting room on the base, where discussions began around 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Trump described the talks as a step toward broader negotiations, saying he hoped to include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a future summit. Yet he was firm in his warning, telling Fox News that he โwonโt be happyโ if Putin refused to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.