After nearly ten years, the world’s most talked-about limousine — “The Beast” — has once again graced the streets of Kuala Lumpur. This time, it’s here for United States President Donald Trump’s first official visit to Malaysia, marking a historic moment in U.S.-Malaysia relations.
When Trump’s Air Force One landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), all eyes were on the heavily armored Cadillac One, a vehicle that looks more like a moving fortress than a car. Built by General Motors and introduced in 2018 during Trump’s first term, the limousine is a masterpiece of modern engineering, blending luxury, security, and power in equal measure.
In a well-coordinated motorcade, two identical limousines arrived at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre via the Traders Hotel KL route at 10:52 a.m. — a common security protocol by the U.S. Secret Service to deploy a decoy vehicle for added protection.
Public fascination with “The Beast” has endured for years, partly because its most advanced security features are classified. What’s known, however, sounds straight out of a Hollywood thriller: a smokescreen system, tear gas launchers, oil slick dispensers, and electrified door handles that can shock intruders. Inside, a refrigerator stocked with the president’s blood type ensures medical readiness at any moment.
Stretching over five meters and weighing around eight tonnes, the Cadillac One can accommodate up to seven passengers, including the president. Its sheer bulk and resilience earned it a nickname that perfectly captures its essence — The Beast.
This isn’t the first time Kuala Lumpur has witnessed the presidential vehicle. Back in 2014, “The Beast” rolled through the city streets carrying former U.S. President Barack Obama. Now, in 2025, it makes its grand reappearance as Trump embarks on his Asia-Pacific tour, beginning with Malaysia — the first stop in a journey that is set to shape geopolitical conversations in the region.
According to sources, the next generation of Cadillac One may already be under development. Reuters reported earlier this year that Secret Service officials met with General Motors executives to discuss the upcoming model’s design and defense enhancements — a testament to how technology continues to redefine presidential security.
Beyond the metal, the engineering, and the mystery — “The Beast” represents something deeper. It’s not just a car; it’s a symbol of authority, continuity, and global diplomacy. As Malaysians catch glimpses of this legendary vehicle gliding through their streets once again, it’s a reminder of how history repeats itself — not in moments, but in motion.
