Donald Trump is superstitious! Here’s the routine American president never skips before Air Force One takes off

Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, is widely known for his bold public persona and unconventional political style. However, beneath the surface, his decisions and public moves are often guided by a unique set of superstitions, rituals, and symbolic choices.From avoiding announcements on April Fool’s Day to performing small, consistent routines before boarding Air Force One, Trump’s belief in omens and symbols has played a significant role in shaping his approach to leadership and public life. These rituals, which range from choosing specific campaign locations to modifying the color scheme of Air Force One, reflect a deep attachment to symbolism and personal tradition. Understanding these habits provides insight into how Trump’s superstitions influence his political strategies and public image.For Trump, Air Force One is not just a mode of transportation but a powerful symbol of presidential authority and American strength. He has described the aircraft as a “very special, beautiful plane”, reflecting his deep appreciation for its status as a symbol of power and prestige. This attachment goes beyond aesthetics, aligning with Trump’s broader belief in the power of symbols and ritual.During his presidency, Trump even proposed changing the plane’s classic light blue and white color scheme to a more striking red, white, and blue design. This proposed redesign, reported by Business Insider and The Telegraph, was meant to project a stronger sense of patriotism and align the plane’s image more closely with Trump’s personal brand. Although this change faced resistance and was ultimately set aside by the Biden administration, it highlights Trump’s emphasis on appearances and the symbolic impact of his decisions.Before boarding Air Force One, Trump is known to perform small, consistent routines that insiders describe as subtle but significant. While the exact nature of these actions is not always made public, those close to Trump have noted that these habits are a key part of his pre-flight preparations. These rituals are not merely quirks but deliberate actions that reflect Trump’s belief in the power of routine and superstition to influence outcomes.According to reports from the New York Post, Trump’s pre-flight habits are a form of mental preparation, reinforcing his confidence and focus before taking to the skies in the world’s most famous presidential aircraft. This behavior aligns with his broader approach to leadership, where symbols, rituals, and personal beliefs play a significant role in shaping his public image.Trump’s proposed redesign of Air Force One’s color scheme also reflects his attention to symbolism and the power of visual messaging. The original light blue and white design, introduced by President John F. Kennedy in the 1960s, has become an iconic representation of the American presidency. However, Trump saw an opportunity to refresh this image, proposing a bold red, white, and blue scheme that he believed would project a stronger, more patriotic message.For Trump, the color change was not just about aesthetics but about making a statement – a way to reinforce his vision of American strength and power. Although the redesign faced criticism for breaking with tradition, it serves as a clear example of how Trump uses symbolism to reinforce his leadership style and personal brand.In 2019, Trump made a notable scheduling decision that highlighted his attention to symbolism and superstition. He postponed a major announcement regarding reciprocal tariffs on China, known as the “Liberation Day” tariffs, from April 1 to April 2.According to reports from the New York Post, Trump deliberately avoided making the announcement on April Fool’s Day because of the day’s association with pranks and jokes. For a president who carefully manages his image as a decisive and serious leader, the idea of making a significant policy announcement on a day known for humor and trickery seemed inappropriate.This seemingly minor change reflected a deeper aspect of Trump’s personality – his awareness of public perception and the symbolic weight of dates. For Trump, such choices are not just about scheduling but about controlling the narrative and projecting strength. This decision underscores how seriously he treats certain superstitions when making public announcements, aligning his actions with his broader approach to branding and political messaging.Trump’s superstitions also extend to his campaign routines. Every election cycle, Trump has made a point of concluding his rally tours in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This choice is not merely strategic but deeply symbolic for the former president. According to the New York Post, Trump has openly acknowledged that this decision is rooted in personal superstition, describing the city as a place that “just feels right” for ending his campaign efforts.For Trump, places carry a certain energy, and Grand Rapids has become a symbolic space for him. It was the site of his final rally in the 2016 campaign, which preceded his surprise victory over Hillary Clinton. The city, therefore, holds a special place in Trump’s political playbook, representing both past success and a hopeful omen for future campaigns.Why superstitions matter in Trump’s leadershipTrump’s superstitions – from avoiding certain dates to choosing specific campaign locations and performing pre-flight rituals – offer a unique window into his approach to leadership. These habits are not mere eccentricities but reflect a deeply held belief in the power of symbols and rituals to influence outcomes. For Trump, controlling the narrative and projecting confidence are essential components of his public persona, and his superstitions are a key part of this strategy.While some might view these behaviors as quirky or unorthodox, they underscore a critical aspect of Trump’s leadership style – his awareness of symbolism and the power of perception in shaping political outcomes. In this sense, Trump’s superstitions are not just personal habits but a carefully cultivated part of his political identity.