When Donald Trump held a closed-door meeting with Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir on Thursday, the internet was quick to point out the lapel pin worn by the US President.
In pictures from the meeting, which was closed to reporters, Trump could be seen sporting a fighter jet lapel pin, most likely an F-22 jet, alongside the American flag pin.
"Is that a fighter jet lapel pin on Trump’s suit? F16 signaling?" US-based South Asian analyst Michael Kugelman said on X, along with a picture of the US President shaking hands with Sharif.
Soon enough, some Pakistani propaganda handles erupted with posts about how Trump was sending a "subtle signal" through his tie pin to support exaggerated claims about Pakistan downing Indian jets during Operation Sindoor.
However, several other users fact-checked these claims and pointed out that Trump was wearing the pin throughout the day, and not just during his meeting with the Pakistani leaders.
Earlier during the day, Trump was seen wearing the lapel pin during his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
"President Trump rocks a fighter jet pin while Turkey's President Erdogan begs for F-35. Congress isn’t letting it happen Greece, Cyprus and Israel hold the veto. No pin saves Turkey here," one user said on X.
The signalling, if at all, was likely more for Turkey than Pakistan since Ankara was banned from America's flagship F-35 fighter jet program for purchasing a Russian air defence system. Trump has signalled that US might soon lift its hold on sales of advanced fighter jets to Turkey.
"Since Pakistani propaganda handles are again up, Trump has been wearing a fighter jet pin since morning- meeting with Erdogan, speaking to the press. Nothing to do with Pakistani leaders meet. Hint= Might hv more to do with Turkiye," another user pointed out.
Pakistani leaders have been repeatedly promoting misleading claims that the country downed six IAF jets following India's missile strikes on nine terror camps.
India has officially confirmed that several Pakistani fighter jets were shot down during the May 2025 military clash with the neighbour. CDS Anil Chauhan said that India lost aircraft in the initial stages of Operation Sindoor but did not specify how many jets were downed.
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