Watch Donald Trump dodge a bald eagle https://t.co/Ny1geLWxnU pic.twitter.com/Be8wMhVqCI
— TIME (@TIME) December 9, 2015
During Time‘s Person of the Year search, the magazine invited Donald Trump for a shoot with a patriotic theme. Trump’s co-star, Uncle Sam the eagle, did not approve of the experience. Now, bald eagles can be gentle creatures, which is what the internet recently observed when two Canadian brothers rescued one (and brought the universal selfie to its ultimate crescendo). Uncle Sam wasn’t feeling gentle during this shoot, though. At one point, Sam swooped at Trump’s head, and Time saw fit to release this gif as proof.
Alas, Trump was not rewarded with the coveted title of Person of the Year (which went to German Chancellor Angela Merkel), and he’s not happy. Our future president has already tweeted his displeasure by accusing Merkel of ruining Germany. This talk comes from a guy who isn’t insulted by Hitler comparisons.
I told you @TIME Magazine would never pick me as person of the year despite being the big favorite They picked person who is ruining Germany
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 9, 2015
Twitter, as always, was fast on the draw with jokes about the eagle’s true intentions. Hair and patriotism jokes abounded, and a few gems emerged.
@TIME freedom smells its enemy.
— Benjamin Frankenberg (@BenHorrible) December 9, 2015
@TIME @BecauseImAsh
It was probably looking for a suitable nest!— Dr Mark Kilgallon (@Policingmatters) December 9, 2015
@TIME I guess eagles are going to be blocked from US entry now.
— Sharon (@sapw) December 9, 2015
Here’s a behind-the-scenes video from a few months ago, and you can see how the eagle was feeling rather plucky.
(Via Time)