Featured Image Credit: The Guardian
Topics: Donald Trump
Joe Yates
President Donald Trump was caught on a hot mic speaking to the leader of Indonesia, who asked to speak to his sons about somewhere that is 'not safe' in his home country.
As world leaders gathered in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, for a summit in a bid to secure lasting peace in Gaza, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto could be heard speaking to the Republican president, asking whether he could be put in contact with his children.
The duo seemed unaware that the mic was still live and recording their conversation.
"I would like to," Subianto starts off, before referencing a region that is 'not safe, security-wise'.
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Trump then responds to him - although with his back to the microphone, which leads Subianto to ask: "Can I meet Eric?"
The 79-year-old POTUS responds: "I'll have Eric call you. Should I do that? He's such a good boy. I'll have Eric call."
While it has not been confirmed what exactly the two of them were talking about, the New Yorker's son Eric is the Executive Vice President of the family business, the Trump Organization, alongside his brother Donald Jr - who resumes the same title.
Their conversation continued with Subianto leaning into Trump while muttering something, before replying: "Yeah, yeah. I told [inaudible] also... We'll look for a better place."
Trump then asks Subianto to let him know when something is in place, to which the Indonesian replies: "Okay. Yeah, yeah. Eric or Don Jr."
The American responds: "You're fantastic. I'll have one of them call you, thank you my friend. I like that you told me."
While it remains to be seen what exactly they were talking about, the Trump Organization opened its first resort in Indonesia in March - a luxury golf club with a local company.
Meanwhile, a resort in the tropical province of Bali is listed on the firm's website as 'coming soon'.
The dialogue between the two left some people concerned on social media.
"OH MY GOD: Trump and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have just been caught on a hot mic discussing a deal (?) (he asks to speak with Trump's sons Eric and Don Jr - who do NOT work in government). Did we just hear a major crime happen?" one user speculated on Twitter.
While a second added: "If that recording is genuine, it’s deeply troubling. Mixing political influence with private business interests crosses ethical lines and blurs accountability. Even the appearance of such behavior undermines trust in governance and international diplomacy."
However, one user dampened claims of any wrongdoing.
"It's common knowledge that Subianto wants Trump Hotel resort built in Indonesia. He's on record saying so," they explained.
"Trump did the right thing here and said he was not involved and deferred to the co-presidents of the Trump Organiztion - Eric and Don Jr. Speaking words is now a major crime!!! OMG!!!"