Chilling meaning behind Trump's 'provocative' post comparing himself to notorious Nixon

Donald Trump has ignited fierce debate after sharing a striking photograph of himself pointing directly at Vladimir Putin - deliberately mirroring the legendary 1959 "Kitchen Debate" between Richard Nixon and Nikita Khrushchev.

The US President uploaded the image online today mere hours after Moscow delivered one of its most devastating bombardments of Ukraine since hostilities commenced, in what detractors describe as a strategic move to demonstrate his resolve against Russia's autocrat.

Trump's imitative stance, replicating Nixon's confrontation with Khrushchev in a replica American kitchen during the Cold War era, is being promoted by supporters as an emblem of resistance. The reference comes as Trump lets slip bizarre 'secret plan' in radio interview.

However, sources suggest it also represents the latest indication of his mounting exasperation at Putin's unwillingness to halt the bloodshed.

This emerged just days after a lip reader disclosed the menacing 3-word vow that Trump murmured into Putin's ear during their Alaska summit, reports the Mirror US.

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One well-positioned source revealed to the Mirror: "There is no secret that Trump has become increasingly angered by Putin's lack of action. He says one thing, but then immediately carries out further attacks on Ukraine, showing he has no interest in stopping the killing.

"Putin is beginning to make Trump look weak, and it's wearing on the President. He's already threatened much greater sanctions against Russia if peace is not forthcoming and it's clear Trump feels time is running out."

The original "Kitchen Debate" took place during the American National Exhibition in Moscow, when then–Vice President Nixon and Soviet Premier Khrushchev went toe-to-toe in front of cameras.

What started as a dispute over washing machines and televisions rapidly escalated into a heated clash about capitalism versus communism and became one of the most iconic moments of the Cold War.

Now Trump is attempting to position himself in the same light, targeting Putin as Nixon once confronted Khrushchev, drawing parallels between his confrontation with Moscow and America's ideological struggle with the Soviet Union.

The timing of the publicity stunt, however, sparked controversy. Russia's overnight assault on Ukrainian cities left dozens dead and wounded, further intensifying a conflict already dragging into its third year.

Against this backdrop, Trump's photo opportunity was embraced by supporters as evidence of American determination and slammed by critics as a tacky publicity stunt.

"Trump thinks he's Nixon squaring up to Khrushchev," one social media user wrote online. "In reality, he's cosplaying statesmanship while bombs fall on civilians."

The internet was divided. MAGA supporters praised the image as a demonstration of leadership, with one supporter posting: "This is America standing tall. Trump is showing Putin he won't be pushed around."

Others were damning, labelling it "Instagram diplomacy" and "a stunt that trivialises a brutal war."

Historians and foreign policy experts are split down the middle. Some believe the symbolism is astute, using a memorable Cold War moment to remind the world of America's power.

However, others have cautioned that it's an oversimplification, even potentially hazardous, boiling down a multifaceted modern conflict to a rehashed photo opportunity.

"It's a flashy gesture," one analyst commented. "But Ukraine isn't 1959 Moscow, and Putin isn't Khrushchev. The stakes today are far higher and a finger-pointing picture won't bring the bombs to a halt."

Nonetheless, Trump's move has once again put him in the spotlight of the Ukraine debate, presenting himself as the man ready to confront Putin.

This follows a peculiar internet image revealing what Trump looks like without his artificial tan and signature hairstyle.