June 17, 2025

Did Trump drop those papers out on purpose to make Starmer bend over?


Headline at The Guardian: "Starmer says he picked up Trump’s dropped papers to avoid security scare/UK prime minister says it ‘would not have been good’ for anyone else such as member of media to try to help" ("I mean, look, there weren’t many choices with the documents and picking it up, because... as you probably know there were quite strict rules about who can get close to the president.I mean, seriously, I think if any of you [the media] had stepped forward other than me – I was just deeply conscious that in a situation like it would not have been good for anybody else to have stepped forward, not that any of you rushed to. There’s a very tightly guarded security zone around the president, as you would expect").

Trump is such a master of showmanship... no? Or do you think the paper-dropping was mere happenstance and Starmer was the only one in the Very Tightly Guarded Security Zone who could pick up the papers? The press could have photographed those papers. And no one could expect the President of the United States to pick up what he dropped. He was holding the Very Firmly Bound Leather Folder, and Starmer was the one with his hands free and ready to serve.

68 comments:

TaeJohnDo said...

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. President Trump has so many people worked up...it is a gift, no?

Temujin said...

Too bad Sen. Alex Padilla wasn't in the crowd at that time.

tim maguire said...

If you look at the video instead of the still photo, Trump was fumbling with loose papers in a moderate wind and Starmer helped when some dropped.

The media and various partisans are trying to turn simple courtesy into a scandal.

doctrev said...

It's bad news for people who desperately need symbolism to replace their relative lack of knowledge. Cleaning up spills, especially if otherwise vital information, is not the worst thing- to a good man, anyways.

Mary E. Glynn said...

But were there carrot sticks and onion rings involved?
Say what you mean professor. The sexual innuendo doesn't work for those of us who don't share your squirrelly thoughts.

Mary E. Glynn said...

TaeJohnDo said...
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. President Trump has so many people worked up...it is a gift, no?
---------
meade's either not home again or not doing his job. The lady is fixated on DJT. Why?

Mary E. Glynn said...

The media and various partisans are trying to turn simple courtesy into a scandal.
----
They don't have the mental skills or life background to discuss the hard news issues. Thus... distraction. Women like ann excel at this and built their careers around it. *giggle*

Krumhorn said...

C'mon! Trump just turned 79. It ain't so easy to bend over quickly to pick something up off the deck, particularly, since things tend to drop more frequently at that age for some reason.

- Krumhorn

Krumhorn said...

....it's most noticeable around the greens when you have to mark your ball, reset it, and (eventually) pull it out of the cup.

- Krumhorn

Readering said...

Maybe if he hadn't referred to the UK as the European Union.

Kakistocracy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kakistocracy said...

The sad part is Starmer picked it up for him out of politeness. I would have loved to see him fumble trying to pick it up.

Richard said...

TaeJohnDo said...
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. President Trump has so many people worked up...it is a gift, no?

+1

Paul said...

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....

boatbuilder said...

Really?

Darkisland said...

Starmer is only King Chuck's official bitch. I think President Trump just appointed him his bitch.

As an elected leader, as opposed to appointed flunky, that is how it should be.

No Kings here!

John Henry

Big Mike said...

Trump is such a master of showmanship... no? Or do you think the paper-dropping was mere happenstance

Trump certainly is a master showman, but they’re called “happenstances” because sometimes they happen.

FormerLawClerk said...

That's right you Limey bastard. Take a good long look at my cock.

Achilles said...

When the wind blows some papers that means Trump is Hitler and there is a nefarious plot to make the prime minister of England bend over.

These people are just sick. Why do we even start these conversations with them as a source.

Peachy said...

Hey -Kak a-phony- tell us your thoughts on Cory Compatore being shot and killed by Ryan Routh.

mindnumbrobot said...

To paraphrase Jon Stewart in Half Baked, "have you ever analyzed President Trump, ON WEED!"

Achilles said...

Kakistocracy said...
The sad part is Starmer picked it up for him out of politeness. I would have loved to see him fumble trying to pick it up.

The sad part is how rude, petty, and pathetic you are.

narciso said...

the Grauniad is just terrible, at focusing on things that matter,

rhhardin said...

Kings never touch doors.

They’re not familiar with this happiness: to push, gently or roughly before you one of these great, friendly panels, to turn towards it to put it back in place—to hold a door in your arms.

The happiness of seizing one of these tall barriers to a room by the porcelain knob of its belly; this quick hand-to-hand, during which your progress slows for a moment, your eye opens up and your whole body adapts to its new apartment.

With a friendly hand you hold on a bit longer, before firmly pushing it back and shutting yourself in—of which you are agreeably assured by the click of the powerful, well-oiled latch.

- Francis Ponge

Lem Vibe Bandit said...

Something Drops. A Mic Drop: A mic drop is a gesture where a speaker or performer intentionally drops their microphone at the end of a performance or speech, signifying triumph or a strong conclusion. It can also be used figuratively to express a boastful attitude towards one's performance or to indicate that nothing more needs to be said. The act originally conveyed a sense of finality and has become a popular cultural expression in various contexts.

Trump the performer knows what he did there, enough to want you to 'see what he did there'.

Jamie said...

I would have loved to see him fumble trying to pick it up.

We know, Kak. We know.

But cast your mind back to the bygone days of, like, last summer: what was the reaction of the rest of us when Biden did something that highlighted anew his cognitive decline? Was it, "Ha! Look at the feeble old geezer! That's hilarious"?

Or was it one of the following:

"Dr. Jill deserves to be charged with elder abuse."

"How utterly embarrassing for the United States!"

"So... any ideas who's running the country?"

Note the difference in both tone and priorities.

Lem Vibe Bandit said...

Then again… maybe Trump was, once again, just a victim of a fortunate happenstance.

Tina Trent said...

Civility without bullshit?

n.n said...

It was considerate of Starmer to pick up the papers.

Aggie said...

The power of branding has a momentum all of its own. It was nice of Karmer to do the humble politeness.

Lem Vibe Bandit said...

Remember that time when Trump went to the White House for the customary visit as president elect and Melania handed Michelle a box that looked like a gift and poor Michelle was dumbfounded trying to figure out what to do with it?

Peachy said...

Is this dropped paper-gate? Impeach!

Milwaukie guy said...

Peachy, Routh is the Florida assassin.

Left Bank of the Charles said...

Careful, Althouse, you’re entering Jake Tapper territory. It can’t be that Trump is getting old, it must be because he is a genius.

Peachy said...

Milwaukee guy - you are right. I have my Trump assassins mixed up!

Thomas Matthew Crooks - is the Butler PA murderer.

RMc said...

This reminds me of something Orson Welles would do when he was on the radio: all shows were done live in those days, and Welles would intentionally drop what looked like his script all over the floor, terrifying his co-stars. Then, just as the show began, he would reach into his coat, pull out the *real* script, then say, "Good evening."

jim said...

When trump moves a golf ball, does he pick it up, or does he a lacky for that? Starmer was well aware of the potential embarassment if donald fell off his stilts.

jim said...

Oh, forgot to say, that was meant as humor.

Lem Vibe Bandit said...

AI : on Dylan’s Subterranean Homesick Blues music video.

Influence and Legacy:
The "Subterranean Homesick Blues" video is widely considered a pioneering work in music video history, influencing countless artists and videos that followed.
Symbolism:
The setting, a nondescript alleyway behind a hotel, combined with the casual, almost offhand way Dylan presented the lyrics, contributed to the song's overall sense of rebellion and counter-cultural sentiment.
In essence, the video for "Subterranean Homesick Blues" is more than just a visual accompaniment to the song; it's a key part of the song's identity, amplifying its impact and solidifying its place in popular culture


Then again, maybe the first comment has it just right.

Lem Vibe Bandit said...

link to aforementioned video

gadfly said...

No. Trump was confused. He said the worthless paperwork he signed applied to the E.U., not the U.K. The "deal" raised tariffs to U.K. but eight pages couldn't possibly specify all goods exchanged between the countries.

Bob Boyd said...

Trump alpha-dogged the bastard. The tell is Starmer’s word choice, telling us he was “deeply conscious” of the situation.
LOL. He’s deeply conscious that he gave himself away kneeling to King Donald, First of His Name.
If Starmer ever met Stormy Daniels he’d probably claw her eyes out.

Bob Boyd said...

Starmer bowed instinctively and I believe I saw a little scraping as well.

gspencer said...

"The Lord, the Lord Jehovah has given unto you these fifte... ten, ten commandments,"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8ihcq4hzR4

Achilles said...

And just like that Boelten is out of the headlines.

Hm.

Tina Trent said...

I found it to be a humorous and gracious exchange. Trump was doing press quotes and answering questions -- and praising Starmer. Whom I have no love for, but he made a funny joke. A cigar is sometimes just a cigar.

Peachy said...

Yeah - Boelten's Dem ties are real ties. The "He's a MAGA!" and "it's all Trumps fault!" = bullcrap.
The bullcrap artists know it.

DINKY DAU 45 said...

TRUMP doesn't even know who the hell he is dealing with EU or the UK the guy is laughing stock , plus hes too fat with a girdle to bend over ,he walks like a sloth all bent over what is that? Instead of leaving to go home he should be discussing with the leaders about Iran.He'll have us in another Republican war again.. Stupid texts and emails we know where you are but we wont kill you YET! what a hump WE CONTROL THE AIR is US FLYING PLANES OVER IRAN

DINKY DAU 45 said...

Trump Silent as American Citizen Killed in Overnight Russian Strikes

DINKY DAU 45 said...

ANOTHER REPUBLICAN WAR MONGER...the guy who says lets no get involved in these wars around the world Repubs believed him hook line and sinker... Donald Trump Indicates United States has Joined War with Iran

DINKY DAU 45 said...

All the trumpers up in here believe what this guy says when he constantly lies to them NO NEW WARS" remember that? Immediately after President Donald Trump's Truth Social declaration implying that the U.S. has joined with Israel to fight Iran, "America First" MAGA users posted their shock and alarm.
Trump wrote, "We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran. Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn’t compare to American-made, conceived, and manufactured 'stuff.' Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA."
The account of @Steven_Pro answered Trump's post, writing, "WE? What's with this WE s----? Not our war!"
"So, You are admitting that the US is directly involved in the war. The complete opposite of what you preached during your campaign. We voted for peace Mr. President. You have officially killed the Republican Party…"
You said no new wars and now your getting us into a endless ones American lives are now going to be on the line and you are going to have blood on there hands you said america first not Israel first this is going to end terribly stop now and focus on AMERICA"
Why do WE have control of the skies over Iran? aLL THE PLAYERS UP IN HERE BE MAKING ALL KINDS OF EXCUSES NOW WHY no new wars wasnt really what trump meant, you know the drill follow along... :(

Unknown said...

Reminds me of Willy Lona ‘s advice to Biff:

WILLY (unable to resist): And if anything falls off the desk while you're talking to him — like a package or something — don't you pick it up.

bagoh20 said...

Tag: bend over

Jim at said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
lonejustice said...

If he did this on purpose, then I think Trump has latent homosexual tendencies, not that there is anything wrong with that, of course. Maybe this is why Melania sleeps in a separate bedroom in the White House.

Achilles said...

lonejustice said...
If he did this on purpose, then I think Trump has latent homosexual tendencies, not that there is anything wrong with that, of course. Maybe this is why Melania sleeps in a separate bedroom in the White House.

That is some weapons grade stupidity and projection. You are a terrible mind reader.

Mason G said...

"That is some weapons grade stupidity and projection."

Or it's just another excuse to make up shit to try to divert attention away from something someone Mr. (or Ms., who knows?) lonejustice doesn't like is actually doing.

Jamie said...

If he did this on purpose, then I think Trump has latent homosexual tendencies, not that there is anything wrong with that, of course.

Oh, well played! [golf clap] You beautifully threaded the needle between (il)liberal sanctimony and homophobia.

Come on. You can do better. Make a real critique. For instance, look at Former Law Clerk's comment @12:22, which - whether or not s/he intended it as humor and regardless of which side s/he's on in this case - could be read as (humorous but biting) critique of Trump's using "alpha male" tactics on the world stage. That would be legit, at least.

Jim at said...

Always count on lonejustice to provide the conservative point of view.

Leland said...

That’s some projection there Lonejustice. You must really find Starmer attractive to come up with that take.

Kakistocracy said...

Trump forgot about Brexit....

Trump: "You all know the great PM of the UK and we just signed a document"

Trump: "A little windy out here. We just signed it and so we have our trade agreement with the EU"

Big Mike said...

Trump forgot about Brexit....

Or he was slyly taking a dig at Starmer over Starmer’s efforts to undercut Brexit.

Christopher B said...

If Trump got caught on camera staring at the ass of a comely young aide, lonejuicebox would be claiming that proved the same thing about Trump and Melania.

Cappy said...

I'm enjoying this too much.

Rusty said...

OK. Who gave Dinky meth?

Robert Cook said...

"'If he did this on purpose, then I think Trump has latent homosexual tendencies, not that there is anything wrong with that, of course. Maybe this is why Melania sleeps in a separate bedroom in the White House.'

"That is some weapons grade stupidity and projection. You are a terrible mind reader."


I agree. I think there's at least a 60/40 chance Trump dropped the documents on purpose, but not for sexual purposes. It would be to diminish Starmer, to belittle him and put him into a subordinate position by having him bend down to pick up his (Trump's) dropped documents, his "rubbish," in effect. Trump is all about seeing himself as the dominant Type A man in the room, and to arrange circumstances to ensure he is top dog. The dismal turnout for his birthday party parade must have been dearly wounding to his egg-shell fragile ego.

PM said...

A 'member of the media' helping Trump? Is that a joke?

n.n said...

Starmer takes a knee for consideration or social justice? Obama raises a straight-armed, open-faced hand in greeting or salute? Shouldn't he be criticized for cultural appropriation?

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