Imagine a global summit meant to tackle the dire crisis in Gaza, but instead, it turns into a stage for one man's ego-driven spotlight – that's the wild reality of Donald Trump's interactions at the Sharm el-Sheikh gathering. You won't believe how he mixed flattery, jabs, and outright self-praise with world leaders, leaving everyone wondering if peace talks were just a backdrop for his personal show.
The Gaza summit on Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh was, frankly, more of a symbolic gesture than a powerhouse of diplomacy – think of it as a high-stakes photo op with little real progress on the ground. But the real buzz wasn't about policy; it was all eyes on whether former U.S. President Donald Trump would shower praise or sling subtle shade at the international dignitaries lining up to greet him, the man who often calls himself the ultimate deal-maker in global affairs.
As the unofficial ringleader of this event, Trump showed up fashionably late – over two hours, to be exact – without a hint of apology. Before jetting off from Tel Aviv, he'd quipped to the Israeli parliament about his worry that his VIP guests might bail, sticking him with just a couple of less affluent nations. For beginners dipping into international relations, this kind of delay isn't just rude; it sets a tone of dominance, signaling who's really in charge.
Luckily for Trump, the crowd stuck around. Kicking things off was Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's vice president and a big name in global finance – he's the guy who owns Manchester City football club, for context. Trump, grinning ear to ear, couldn't resist commenting on Mansour's stylish footwear, then gestured dramatically and declared, 'He's got loads of money, stacks of it.' Mansour just smiled politely, clearly playing along with the obvious nod to his oil-rich background.
Next in line to catch the 'Sun King' Trump's favor – a nickname that evokes his larger-than-life persona – was Giorgia Meloni, Italy's prime minister and the sole woman breaking up the boys' club vibe of the summit. Trump leaned in and said something that raised eyebrows: 'Back in America, saying this could tank your career, but I'll chance it – mind if I call you beautiful? Because you really are.' It's a compliment that sounds old-school chivalrous, but in today's politics, where gender dynamics are scrutinized, it feels like a throwback that could divide opinions. And this is the part most people miss: earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had told her she looked great too, but tacked on a patronizing note about quitting smoking. Ouch.
Speaking of Erdoğan, Trump had nothing but high marks for the Turkish leader, painting him as a no-nonsense powerhouse. In Trump's quick rundown, Erdoğan came across like a mix of the fierce conqueror Genghis Khan and the enigmatic actress Greta Garbo – tough yet elusive. 'He's got one of the world's mightiest militaries,' Trump noted, 'stronger than it seems on paper. He's won plenty of battles but shuns the spotlight. He just wants space.'
Trump continued the admiration, adding, 'He's a hard-nosed guy, but a true pal to me – always steps up when I call. Even when NATO's got beef with him, they loop me in. I chat with Erdoğan, and he delivers every time.' For those new to geopolitics, NATO is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a key alliance where Turkey's role can be both vital and contentious, often clashing over issues like Syria or military spending.
Trump didn't hold back on another strongman: Egypt's President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, technically his co-host for the event. As they sat together – Trump ignoring Sisi's offered handshake at first – he praised a leader whose regime faces serious allegations of human rights abuses, including mass detentions and crackdowns on dissent. 'Here with my buddy, a solid leader – president and ex-general, excels at both,' Trump said. 'Crime's super low here, not like the U.S., where clueless state governors let it skyrocket. In Egypt, they handle it with an iron fist.' But here's where it gets controversial: is praising such 'tough' governance a nod to stability or a blind eye to repression? It sparks debate on whether effective leadership excuses authoritarian tactics.
Even Hungary's Viktor Orbán, who seemed invited mostly for his vocal anti-EU stance – a position that isolates him in European circles – got the thumbs-up. Trump rolled his 'r' with flair, saying, 'I really like Viktor. Sure, plenty disagree with me, but guess what? I'm the only one who counts.' The leaders behind him, including UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, shifted uncomfortably at this bold claim of supremacy. And this is the part most people miss: Orbán's inclusion highlights how Trump cherry-picks allies based on shared outsider vibes, sidelining broader coalitions.
Not everyone fared so well. Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani drew a backhanded remark about his nation's vast oil reserves: 'They've got so much oil, they don't even know how to manage it all. That's a curse when riches overwhelm you.' With that witty-but-pointed zinger, Sudani was brushed off – a reminder that in Trump's world, resource wealth can be as much burden as blessing in unstable regions.
Then came Keir Starmer's turn. Trump scanned the room: 'Where's the UK rep?' Starmer, ever the straight shooter, raised his hand and quipped, 'Right here, as always, just behind you.' Pulled forward, he expected to speak, but Trump simply thanked him for the last-minute attendance and nudged him back to his spot in the shadows – classic Trump, keeping Britain in its 'special relationship' but subordinate role.
France's Emmanuel Macron also took a hit. Known for stealing the show in summit pics, Macron opted to sit in the audience facing Trump instead of flanking him onstage. Surprised, Trump remarked, 'Can't believe you're going low-profile today. I pictured you right behind me.' It's a subtle dig at Macron's usual flair for visibility in international forums.
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney – wait, actually, in a slip-up, Trump had earlier elevated him to 'president' in his Canada comments – approached to correct the record. Trump fired back playfully, 'Lucky I didn't demote you to governor.' For context, Carney is a heavy hitter in economics, formerly Bank of England head, so this mix-up underscores Trump's casual approach to details amid his bravado.
The standout in navigating Trump's style was Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who piled on the flattery so thick that Trump even tried peeking at his speech notes, only to get gently shoved back. Sharif gushed, 'India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed, teetered on war's edge those four crucial days – but you and your stellar team stepped in, averting catastrophe. Who knows who would've lived to recount it? History books glow with your legacy. God bless you with long life to keep serving America with that unbeatable energy.' And he kept going, turning praise into performance art.
Finally, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian might've dodged a bullet by skipping the invite altogether, preserving his pride amid the spectacle. But here's where it gets controversial: in a room full of tense rivals, did Trump's ego-trip undermine real Gaza talks, or was it savvy networking? What do you think – does this kind of leader-centric diplomacy help or hinder global peace? Drop your thoughts in the comments: agree that Trump's style is genius, or see it as a distraction? Let's discuss!
