Cover image via Bernama via New Straits Times
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In a whirlwind visit that captured global attention, US President Donald Trump touched down in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, 26 October, for the 47th ASEAN Summit
The historic trip, the first by a US president in a decade, was packed with unexpected moments and major diplomatic wins.
Trump was seen waving both the US and Malaysian flags upon his arrival in Malaysia.
Image via Hasnoor Hussain/Pool Photo via APHere's a look at all the key moments from his official visit:
1. He arrived in style and showed off his dance moves
According to Bernama, Air Force One was given a VIP escort by a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) F/A-18 fighter jet as it entered Malaysian airspace.
Upon landing at KLIA, Trump was greeted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In a now-viral moment, he was seen sharing a light-hearted dance with cultural performers on the red carpet, even waving both the Malaysian and US flags for the cameras.
His warm embrace of the welcome ceremony set the tone for the rest of his ASEAN Summit visit.
2. He invited Anwar to share a ride in The Beast, breaking standard security protocol
In a break from standard protocol, Trump invited Anwar to ride with him in the heavily armoured presidential limousine, famously known as The Beast.
The two leaders travelled together from KLIA to the ASEAN Summit venue at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, a gesture seen as a symbol of their warm rapport.
Anwar shared that he initially told Trump, "That's against the security and protocol rules."
However, he said the US president was "delighted to break the rules", which drew laughter from both Trump and the crowd.
"It was a nice ride," Trump said, to which Anwar agreed with a grin, "It was a nice ride."
Watch the exchange here:
3. Trump appeared distracted as Anwar joked about their shared experiences, including nearly going to prison
During Anwar's speech at the summit, he praised Trump's courage and tenacity, adding that to achieve peace, "You have to break some rules."
He then shared a moment of levity, stating, "We share a lot of things in common. I was in prison, but he almost got there."
Based on a video posted by CNA, Trump appeared distracted, briefly engaging in a conversation with another individual when Anwar made the joke, seemingly unaware of it.
Despite the lighthearted exchange, Anwar continued his speech, emphasising that their discussions centred on promoting and achieving the comprehensive peace the world needs, particularly in conflict-affected regions such as Gaza.
Watch the moment her2e:
4. He signed a major US-Malaysia trade agreement
A key objective of the visit was to bolster economic ties. According to Bloomberg, Trump and Anwar signed a trade agreement and a critical minerals pact, a move to boost trade across Southeast Asia and respond to China's tightening of access to rare earths.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the trade agreement is aimed at modifying tariffs and non-tariff barriers on goods and services between the two nations.
The deal also saw Malaysia and the US officially elevate their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), signalling a new era of cooperation, said the Foreign Affairs Ministry in a statement.
Read this story and this story to learn more about other trade deals that were signed.
5. He praised Anwar for brokering a historic peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia
A landmark achievement during the summit was the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, an expanded ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia.
Both Trump and Anwar were instrumental in mediating the long-standing border conflict. Trump himself stated that his desire to thank Anwar for Malaysia's role in the peace process was a key reason for his visit.
"I called him right at the beginning, and said, you know, you have two countries that are fighting right next to you.
"We need a third place. We need a sort of neutral place, right? And he was there.
"I said to him, 'If we get this solved, I'm coming to your country'. And I told the truth, didn't I?
"I felt I had an obligation to come because you were so great… The prime minister (Anwar) played a very important role in helping convene the two sides for discussions here in Kuala Lumpur. ," he said.
Watch Trump make the statement in the video below at the 2:18 minute mark:
6. He showered praise on PM Anwar's leadership, even saying Anwar has the Midas Touch
Throughout his address, Trump repeatedly commended Anwar's administration, highlighting the nation's success on the world stage.
He personally thanked Anwar for hosting the summit, calling him a "spectacular man" and acknowledging that it had been an "incredibly successful day for Malaysia".
In a notable moment of praise for the leaders in the room, particularly his host, Trump said:
"You are spectacular leaders. You are incredible people. Your energy, your genius, everything you do.
"I say it truly, everything you touch turns to gold. And you can be very proud of it. Other parts of the world are not like this.
"You're very special people, and it's a very, very special place. Thank you very much. It's a great honour to be with you. Thank you," said the US president.
Watch Trump make the statement in the video below at the 6:20 mark:
7. He said he is "100% with Southeast Asia"
In his speech, Trump also reaffirmed Washington's commitment to the Indo-Pacific, saying the US will remain a strong and reliable partner for the region.
"My message to the nations of Southeast Asia is that the US is with you 100%, and we intend to be a strong partner and friend for many generations to come.
"One year ago, we were in a different position. Now, we are in the best position we have ever been.
"It's the golden age of the US. Together, we'll create incredible prosperity for the nations on both sides of the Pacific Ocean and to seize new opportunities for all of our people," he said.
Watch Trump make the statement here:
