President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met on Wednesday to reboot diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States. But it quickly turned combative—and surprisingly viral.

Trump, who was opposed to South Africa’s land reform efforts, brought articles and videos to the Oval Office, including one of opposition leader Julius Malema singing “Kill the Boer.” Trump, as reported by The Independent, used these videos and articles to press the argument that South African attacks on white farmers were increasing.

Diplomatic Encounter Plagued by Hair Controversy

But even as the discussion was serious, much of the public eye landed on the sidelines—on Trump’s head. Viral photos and video shots of the meeting included a bald spot beneath Trump’s signature hairdo. Social media exploded with commentary.

“Trump’s huge bald spot on his dome keeps looking at me!!!!!!!!!!!!!” another user said on X (formerly Twitter). Another chimed in, “Someone ask Trump, WTF is going on with that ever-growing bald spot?” The internet, never lacking a joke, came back with zingers such as, “The bald spot in his head is way bigger!”

Some even asked if the exposed spot was “part of the golden dome.”

Donald Trump Bats it Back with Humor

Later in the day, Trump welcomed the University of Florida men’s basketball team to the White House. Praising sophomore Thomas Haugh, Trump stated, “Back-to-back [three-pointers]. He has good hair too,” and then added with a smile: “He’s got no hair loss issues, I can tell you!”

Social media buzz about his bald head broadly inspired his throwaway comment. The self-deprecation was a rare flash of lightness in an otherwise acrimonious day in politics.

In the end, social media turned a gathering meant for global diplomacy into a hashtag sensation, showing once again that even geopolitics can take a backseat to hair.