President Donald Trump was caught in a hot mic moment on Monday, following his speech at a summit in Egypt to celebrate the release of hostages in Gaza.
After Trump finished his remarks on the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, he helped secure, several world leaders were heard on the mic having a few moments with the U.S. president.
But his interaction with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has left some concerned.
The audio, while unclear at times, appears to show Subianto saying that his region is “not safe, security-wise,” before seemingly asking Trump if he could speak more directly somewhere else.
After his comments, President Trump tells Subianto, “I like that you told me that. We don’t need that. We’ve got enough of that.”
The audio, while unclear at times, appears to show Subianto saying that his region is “not safe, security-wise,” before seemingly asking Trump if he could speak more directly somewhere else.
After his comments, President Trump tells Subianto, “I like that you told me that. We don’t need that. We’ve got enough of that.”
Subianto also appears to ask for a meeting with Trump’s sons, Eric and Donald Jr., who don’t have any roles within the Trump administration.
While it’s unclear what Subianto was referring to, Indonesia has been the site of civil unrest this year, with protests springing up in late August over economic frustrations and a proposed hike in housing subsidies for members of parliament.
Protests erupted over a proposed Rp 50 million — $3,057 USD — monthly allowance for the House of Representatives, ten times the minimum wage in Jakarta. This also includes stipends for food and transportation.
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The public expressed anger over the proposal as it faces rising food and education costs, mass layoffs, and property tax increases from central funding cuts.
In the wake of the protests, damage has been done to several government buildings and public facilities, while several homes of officials have been looted.
Five members of the House of Representatives have been suspended, and the government has agreed to reduce lawmakers’ allowances.
A clip of Subianto’s interaction with Trump was shared online, with some speculating as to why Trump’s eldest sons would meet with the Indonesian President.
“Trump can’t go five minutes without turning foreign policy into a family business meeting,” wrote one person. “The grift never clocks out.”
Another wrote: “I mean what’s so suspicious about a foreign leader asking to meet with the most powerful person in the world’s sons who are openly going on a spree of business dealings all over the world and are enriching themselves off of the presidency?”
A third person called Eric and Donald Jr., “officially unofficial.”
Tepid response
Subianto landed in hot water on Monday after hinting that he would make a historic visit to Israel.
However, he shared his concerns over domestic pushback over the move and eventually backed out of the decision after it was leaked to the press, reported The Times of Israel.
Now the Indonesian Foreign Ministry is denying that such a meeting was ever going to take place.
Netanyahu reportedly hinted at a visit with Subianto when he asked the Jerusalem District Court to cancel Wednesday’s hearing in his ongoing fraud trial, saying that he had a “particularly urgent and important diplomatic visit” on Tuesday evening.
Israel and Indonesia don’t have a formal diplomatic relationship, but Subianto said during his address at the United Nations General Assembly last month that ensuring Israel’s security was needed for “true peace.” He also greeted the assembly with “shalom.”