A visible bald spot appeared on President Donald Trump’s head during a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The image quickly went viral on social media. Later that same day, Trump seemed to address the buzz by making a joke about hair loss at a White House event.
The meeting between Trump and Ramaphosa on Wednesday attracted attention not only for the tense diplomatic exchange but also for the bald spot that showed through Trump’s usual hairstyle.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss improving relations between the United States and South Africa. However, the discussion became strained when Trump showed Ramaphosa videos and articles about alleged attacks on white farmers. One clip included South African opposition leader Julius Malema chanting, “Kill the Boer,” according to The Independent. Trump has been critical of South Africa’s land reform policies and has previously cut aid to the country over claims of racial discrimination.
Ramaphosa responded by saying, “That is not government policy,” and emphasized that his administration “is completely, completely against what he was saying.”
Despite the serious topic, much of the public’s attention turned to Trump’s hair. Photos and videos taken in the Oval Office showed a bald patch on the top of his head. These images quickly spread online, sparking reactions on social media. One user wrote on X, “Trump’s big bald spot on his head keeps staring at me!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Another joked, “Someone should ask Trump WTF is going on with that increasingly large bald spot.” A third commented, “The bald spot inside his head is much larger!” Some also wondered if the bald spot was “part of the golden dome.”
Later that day, Trump appeared to acknowledge the viral attention. While hosting the University of Florida men’s basketball team at the White House to celebrate their national title, he praised sophomore Thomas Haugh for his clutch performance. Trump said, “Back-to-back [three-pointers]. He has got good hair too.” With a smile, he added, “He’s got no hair loss problems, I can tell you!”
Many saw this remark as Trump joking about his own hair, especially amid the flood of memes and comments about his bald spot across social media platforms.
