President Donald Trump encountered an unusual incident on Air Force One on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, when a bathroom door unexpectedly opened and hit him shortly after he commented on maintaining the presidential aircraft.
During a flight, the 79-year-old president was engaging with reporters when he paused to address someone off-camera about the handling of equipment on the plane. Trump remarked to the individual coming out of the bathroom, “You’re gonna have to take it easy with that thing. You know, it’s a government plane, but I like to take care of it.”
Just after making his statement about the aircraft’s upkeep, a person exited the bathroom, causing the door to hit Trump. Initially appearing perplexed by the interruption, the president quickly regained his composure and smiled as he understood what had occurred.
“Oh, hello. Somebody’s in there,” Trump remarked, eliciting laughter from those on the plane. He then knocked on the bathroom door and added, “Come on out.”
Trump moved away from the door to continue his interaction with reporters, while the person who had been in the bathroom quickly closed the door and remained inside for the rest of the press briefing. The Daily Beast reporter Julia Ornedo noted the lighthearted moment, which contrasted with the serious nature of the president’s trip.
The president was traveling to Monroe County, Pennsylvania, as part of an affordability roadshow. The event marked Trump’s effort to address growing concerns about the cost-of-living crisis affecting Americans nationwide.
Trump’s emphasis on affordability follows Democratic victories in high-profile elections in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City in November 2025, where successful candidates highlighted affordability in their campaigns. These results underscored the prominence of economic issues among voters.
A Politico poll revealed concerning numbers for the administration, indicating that many Americans attribute ongoing economic challenges to Trump. The survey found that 46 percent of Americans felt the cost of living in the United States was at its worst, with 37 percent of that group having voted for Trump in the previous election.
Despite the poll data, Trump has described the issue as an “affordability hoax” and placed blame on Democrats. In his Pennsylvania speech, he likened Democrats discussing affordability to notorious criminals discussing public safety, labeling them “the enemy of the working class.”
The president claimed that prices are significantly decreasing from what he termed the country’s highest levels. He suggested that Democratic discussions on affordability incorrectly reflect on his administration’s price management.
The Pennsylvania event was intended to highlight what the administration considers economic successes, amid pressure on Trump’s approval ratings due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The speech reportedly strayed from its main focus, covering various topics including former President Joe Biden and transgender issues.
The affordability roadshow is expected to continue, with Trump potentially holding additional events later this month and into the new year. The tour aims to directly address economic concerns and counter the narrative that has bolstered Democratic candidates in recent elections.
As Trump continues this messaging campaign, the administration faces the challenge of persuading voters that economic conditions are improving, despite widespread perceptions that the cost of living remains at historic highs. This disconnect presents a significant communication challenge going forward.
