In a world where diplomacy is supposed to be about unity, one man made it all about himself. Donald Trump’s presence at the Gaza summit in Sharm el-Sheikh was nothing short of a spectacle, leaving observers to wonder whether he was there to foster peace or simply to steal the spotlight. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the summit itself was widely criticized as largely ceremonial and devoid of substance, Trump’s interactions with world leaders became the real show—a bizarre mix of flattery, insults, and unfiltered opinions that left no one indifferent. And this is the part most people miss: beneath the theatrics, Trump’s remarks revealed a worldview that prioritizes personal relationships and perceived strength over traditional diplomatic norms. Let’s dive into the details.
The summit, held on Monday, was ostensibly focused on addressing the complexities of the Gaza conflict. However, the real drama unfolded as global leaders approached Trump, the self-proclaimed master of deal-making, for handshakes and photo ops. Arriving over two hours late—a delay he seemed to wear as a badge of honor—Trump had earlier joked to the Israeli parliament that he feared his wealthy guests might have already departed, leaving only representatives from poorer nations. Yet, his concerns were unfounded, as the event was far from a ghost town.
First to greet Trump was Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the vice-president of the United Arab Emirates. With a wide grin, Trump couldn’t resist commenting on Mansour’s “lovely shoes” before quipping, “A lot of cash, bundles of cash.” The remark, though awkward, seemed to amuse Mansour, who played along with the billionaire-turned-president’s banter. But here’s the question: Was this a harmless joke or a subtle reminder of who holds the financial power in the room?
Another leader who caught Trump’s attention was Giorgia Meloni, the Italian Prime Minister and the only woman at the otherwise male-dominated event. Turning to her, Trump declared, “In the United States, it would be the end of your political career. But I’ll take the risk. Do you mind if I say you’re beautiful? Because you truly are beautiful.” While the compliment was undeniably bold, it also raised eyebrows for its tone-deafness in a professional setting. Contrast this with Meloni’s earlier interaction with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who praised her appearance but added, “But you should not smoke so much.” Is this a case of old-school chivalry or outdated gender dynamics? You decide.
Trump’s admiration for Erdoğan was no secret. He described the Turkish leader as a “tough” guy, blending the ruthlessness of Genghis Khan with the mystique of Greta Garbo. “Erdoğan possesses one of the strongest armies in the world,” Trump remarked. “It is much stronger than it appears. He has triumphed in many conflicts, but he does not want any praise. He wants to be left alone.” Trump’s unwavering support for Erdoğan, despite NATO’s occasional friction with Turkey, was clear: “He is a tough person, but he is my friend, and he is always there when I need him.” But is this friendship based on mutual respect or strategic convenience? The jury’s still out.
Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, Trump’s nominal co-host, also received high praise—despite his government’s controversial human rights record. “I am here with my friend, a strong leader, the president … and also a general, and he is good at both,” Trump said, ignoring Sisi’s outstretched hand. He even commended Egypt’s low crime rate, contrasting it with the United States, where he blamed ineffective state governors. Is this a fair assessment or a glossing over of deeper issues? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose inclusion in the summit raised eyebrows, was another recipient of Trump’s favor. “I know a lot of people don’t agree with me, but I am the only one that matters,” Trump declared, rolling the ‘r’ in Viktor’s name for emphasis. The remark, though arrogant, underscored Trump’s unapologetic approach to leadership. Meanwhile, leaders like Keir Starmer of the UK and Emmanuel Macron of France were left in the shadows, with Trump seemingly more interested in controlling the narrative than sharing the stage.
The Pakistani Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, however, seemed to crack the code. By showering Trump with effusive praise, Sharif managed to keep the spotlight on himself, even physically pushing Trump back as he continued his speech. “History has immortalised his name in golden letters,” Sharif declared, leaving Trump momentarily speechless. Was this a masterclass in diplomacy or mere flattery? You be the judge.
As the summit drew to a close, one leader who likely breathed a sigh of relief was Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had declined the invitation altogether. But here’s the bigger question: In a world crying out for genuine diplomacy, is Trump’s brand of personality-driven politics a step forward or a dangerous detour? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep the conversation going.
