It’s not every day that a foreign leader steps into the most secure car on Earth the U.S. presidential limousine, famously known as “The Beast.” But when it happens, the world pays attention.
This week, Russian President Vladimir Putin joined a very short and exclusive list of international leaders who’ve had the privilege of riding in “The Beast” alongside a U.S. president. The moment occurred during his visit to Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, where he met with former President Donald Trump for a high-profile summit.
Putin’s presence inside the presidential limo marked the fifth known instance of a foreign head of state sharing the Beast with an American president. It also reignited public curiosity: Just how many world leaders have ridden in the Beast? Why does it matter? And who decides?
Let’s take a look at the history, symbolism, and protocol behind this extraordinary diplomatic gesture.
What Is “The Beast”?
Nicknamed “The Beast,” the U.S. presidential state car is a highly customized and heavily armored Cadillac limousine, operated by the United States Secret Service. Designed to protect the Commander-in-Chief against virtually every imaginable threat, the Beast includes:
- Bulletproof glass and bomb-resistant armor
- Night vision optics
- Fire suppression systems
- Sealed interiors for chemical attacks
- A secure communications system
- Blood supplies matching the president’s type
Beyond security, the Beast is a powerful symbol of U.S. presidential authority and global status. Wherever it goes, it signals the presence of the most powerful leader in the world.
How Rare Is a Ride in the Beast for Foreign Leaders?
Contrary to widespread belief, there is no formal protocol that prohibits foreign leaders from riding in the Beast. However, it’s not common practice either. Such invitations are rare and made entirely at the discretion of the sitting U.S. president or, in Trump’s case, as a former president operating on the global stage.
Typically, these moments happen during diplomatically sensitive or symbolically powerful occasions where the gesture of sharing a ride can signal political trust, personal rapport, or strategic messaging.
World Leaders Who Have Ridden in the Beast
Here are the known cases when a U.S. president allowed a foreign counterpart to ride with them in the Beast:
| **Foreign Leader** | **Year** | **U.S. President** | **Context / Location** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dmitry Medvedev (Russia) | 2010 | Barack Obama | Washington, D.C. — "Reset" of U.S.–Russia relations |
| Emmanuel Macron (France) | 2017 | Donald Trump | Paris, France — Bastille Day events |
| Shinzo Abe (Japan) | 2017 | Donald Trump | Mar-a-Lago, Florida — Informal diplomatic gathering |
| Andrés Manuel López Obrador (Mexico) | 2023 | Joe Biden | Mexico City — North American Leaders Summit |
| Vladimir Putin (Russia) | 2025 | Donald Trump | Anchorage, Alaska — U.S.–Russia summit |
Why Do These Rides Matter?
1. Powerful Symbolism
Inviting a foreign leader into the Beast is a calculated and meaningful act. It's a signal of trust, offering not just a physical seat but a diplomatic endorsement. Cameras catch the moment, headlines follow, and the world interprets it as a sign of goodwill or progress.
2. Private Diplomacy
Inside the Beast, presidents and foreign leaders can speak in total privacy. No aides. No press. No leaks. It becomes a moving, bulletproof chamber for off-the-record conversations that may influence global policies.
3. Controversy and Messaging
Putin’s 2025 ride is especially controversial. Still wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, his presence in the presidential limo with a red-carpet welcome and military fanfare was condemned by Western critics and praised by Trump supporters. The gesture alone carried massive geopolitical weight.
What Does the Secret Service Say?
The U.S. Secret Service does not publicly comment on its transportation policies or security operations. Former agents and analysts, however, confirm that foreign rides are possible but are only allowed after extensive vetting, route planning, and risk evaluation.
These invitations are not routine and require careful cooperation between U.S. security and the visiting leader’s security team.
The Presidential Touch: Obama, Trump, Biden
Interestingly, only three U.S. presidents Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden have extended this honor to foreign leaders. Each has used the opportunity differently:
- Obama: Focused on resetting relationships, as with Medvedev.
- Trump: Opted for grand displays and personal chemistry, often using the Beast as a show of loyalty and strength.
- Biden: Took a more reserved approach, using the ride to highlight cooperation with close regional partners like Mexico.
Trump stands out as the only president to have done it multiple times and in both domestic and international settings.
Conclusion: A Ride That Speaks Louder Than Words
In diplomacy, small gestures often carry the biggest messages. Riding in “The Beast” isn’t just about transportation it’s about who’s trusted, who’s respected, and who’s part of the conversation.
With only five foreign leaders having ever shared this seat, the Beast remains one of the rarest stages in international relations. And for those who’ve entered it, the ride is never just a ride it’s a chapter in history.
