During his one-night stay at the Hilton Hotel in Gyeongju, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a cheeseburger via room service and showed a marked interest in the hot-spring water. While seemingly anecdotal, this reveals both his distinctive personal tastes and the subtle preparations of the security and protocol team — and offers a glimpse into the unofficial atmosphere of the U.S.–South Korea summit. Below, we explore his down-to-earth food preference, meticulously planned security logistics, and the diplomatic undercurrents that lie beneath.
Casual Taste or Political Message? The Meaning Behind the Cheeseburger and Ketchup
The moment President Trump arrived at the hotel, he didn’t opt for a high-end multi-course meal — he ordered a cheeseburger. He requested extra American cheese and asked for a generous amount of ketchup — a clear nod to his trademark “American” taste.
This simple room-service anecdote goes beyond personal preference: it can be interpreted as a strategic reaffirmation of his identity even while abroad. By sticking to the most American of foods in a foreign setting, he sends a message to his base of familiarity and constancy. The fact that he brought Diet Cola from home and still chose a burger, despite the presence of a premium local beef course at the banquet, underscores both his approachable public image and a firm stance on maintaining his preferences.
Even a Fruit Plate Is a Detail: The White House Protocol Team’s Precision
The effort to fulfil presidential requests extends beyond mere convenience. For example, he asked that fruit be prepared and sliced immediately upon arrival “to restore energy after a long trip.” This gesture reveals not just thoughtfulness but the professionalism of the protocol team.
The hotel prepared seasonal fruits such as Shine Muscat grapes, pineapple and melon — even if those weren’t his favorite — to ensure his optimal condition in the local environment. What may look like a minor food request actually reflects an execution of extreme detail and a presidential-centric mindset from both protocol and security staff.
“The water is great”: What the Gyeongju Hot Spring Signifies
After a shower, President Trump reportedly asked: “Is this soft water, purified, or what?” The hotel responded that the water comes from a hot spring. His comment is telling: it shows that he is not only conscious of cuisine but also of environmental and facility details.
This remark suggests that he is sensitive to the quality of his surroundings and expects top-tier conditions for his work. A casual comment about local hot-spring water by a head of state may also subtly boost the region’s image.
Impenetrable Security and the Unseen Protocol: VIP Among VIPs
During President Trump’s stay, the security arrangements were extraordinarily strict. He occupied a guest room typically reserved for high-level dignitaries (8th floor), with additional bullet-resistant glass installed, staff elevators used exclusively by personnel, and mobile walk-ways covered by tents. These are hallmark measures of the United States Secret Service (USSS) protocol at its highest level.
Security staff maintained control over the facility even after his departure, with lockdowns of entire floors and hotel staff only allowed minimal glimpses of the President’s movements. This level of behind-the-scenes diligence is symbolic of how national-level security and diplomatic scheduling rely on unseen logistics and readiness.
Morning Newspaper Request: A Leader’s Daily Ritual and Information Intake
President Trump’s request for the Washington Post and New York Times the next morning reveals how world-class leaders stay informed even amid dense foreign agendas. Though abroad, he keeps up with current events, domestic and international.
This indicates that a head of state’s day blends personal downtime and official duty seamlessly, and that modern diplomacy demands continuity of information regardless of time zones or location. Reading newspapers is one of the classical yet essential ways for such leaders to stay anchored in global analysis and strategic planning.
Casualness Meets Perfectionism — and a Diplomatic Message
The behind-the-scenes stories from President Trump’s visit to South Korea illustrate how a down-to-earth food choice (a cheeseburger), strong interest in hot-spring water, and military-grade security detail each reflect his commitment to perfection and the subtle messaging inherent in diplomacy. The cheeseburger strengthens his connection with the public; the fruit request and hot-spring inquiry reflect a nuanced attention to environment and preparedness; and the entire orchestrated security apart from all else underlines how personal preference meets institutional rigor. These unofficial anecdotes are more than mere gossip — they are key to understanding the human side of summit diplomacy and the systems silently at work behind it.