Donald Trump has come under fire after holding an umbrella over himself — apparently leaving his wife and son unprotected from the elements.

Photographs of the US President boarding Air Force One at West Palm Beach in Florida show him holding a large black umbrella as he walks up the steps to the plane.

Melania Trump and their 11-year-old son, Barron, are seen walking behind Mr Trump without umbrellas or waterproof clothing amid blustery conditions.

President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik))

Social media users criticised the President, saying his behaviour was not gentlemanly.

Twitter user Sonny Grewal said: ”Just seen @realDonaldTrump getting on his plane holding an umbrella for himself while his son and wife get soaked in the rain. Says it all about him! #selfishTrump.”

Another person responded to the photographs by saying: “Friday while in Pittsburgh a total stranger shared his umbrella with me in the parking lot at the hospital.

“He even walked over to me over to my car he was elderly and I told him I was OK but, he insisted.”

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It was not clear whether Mr Trump had offered the umbrella to his wife or son.

The photographs were taken on Friday at Palm Beach International Airport and weather reports showed there were thunderstorms, although it was not clear from the images whether it was raining at the time they were taken.