US First Lady Melania Trump and U.S. President Donald Trump board Air Force One to depart at the conclusion of a state visit at London Stansted Airport on September 18, 2025 in Stansted, England.

President Donald Trump offered well-wishes to reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned to the United States following his state visit to the United Kingdom.

But he then added a comment that critics said proved his self-centeredness.

“Thank you, everybody. Have a good flight. Fly safely,” Trump told the press pool after railing against late-night comedians who mock him, amid the uproar over ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel.

Then he added: “You know why I say that? Because I’m on the flight. Otherwise I wouldn’t care.”

Watch from the 17:30 mark here:

The quip, which Trump delivered with a grin, went viral on social media.

Trump: “Fly safely. You know why I say that? Because I'm on the flight. Otherwise, I wouldn't care.” pic.twitter.com/oJShk9eHNe