Trump’s whirlwind visit: An explainer on the dance moves, secret passages and diplomatic drama in Malaysia
The prison joke, the 'artistic signature' and the human side of global politics in KL.
NUR ADNIN MAHALIM
SHAH ALAM – United States (US) President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Malaysia had everything: from busting moves at the airport and cracking jokes with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to a straight-up disappearing act after the Asean Summit.
Trump’s whirlwind trip to Malaysia was impossible to ignore. All the chaotic, meme-worthy and surprisingly wholesome moments made many people laugh.
The Arrival That Broke the Internet
When Trump’s Air Force One touched down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), nobody expected the US President to literally join a dance performance. But he did.
With a huge grin, Trump started grooving along with a local traditional troupe during the welcome ceremony hosted by Anwar.
The moment instantly set social media on fire; clips of him waving both the Malaysian and American flags spread faster than any diplomatic handshake could.
Crowds cheered, phones came out and for a moment, everyone forgot this was supposed to be a formal state arrival.
Anwar’s Ride-Along Moment
In true Trump fashion, the man didn’t stop at dancing; he even broke security protocol minutes later.
Anwar said that Trump insisted that he ride with him in “The Beast,” the presidential limo, on the way to the 47th Asean Summit at KLCC.
“When he arrived, he invited me to join him in his car. I told him that it would go against security and protocol rules. But he was excited to break that rule, and our journey became a truly meaningful experience,” Anwar said.
The two reportedly talked about world peace and even the Gaza conflict.
“Hearing his determination to ensure peace in the most difficult and conflict-ridden areas is truly impressive,” Anwar added.
The Signature That Stole the Show
During the Asean Summit, Trump turned heads again, though this time for something much smaller.
While signing a trade agreement with Anwar, Trump looked at the PM’s penmanship and exclaimed, “Look at his (Anwar’s) signature, very different and artistic.”
The moment was caught on camera and netizens wasted no time turning Anwar’s “artistic signature” into meme material. One user commented on X, “Da Vinci who? We have Anwar Ibrahim.”
The Joke That Had Everyone Laughing
It was not all business, though. Before the Cambodia–Thailand Peace Agreement signing, Anwar decided to lighten the mood with a cheeky remark about their shared pasts.
“One of which is that I was in prison and you almost got there,” Anwar quipped and the room erupted in laughter.
Even Trump laughed, shaking his head before patting Anwar’s shoulder.
The camaraderie between the two leaders became one of the most talked-about moments of the Summit, showing a rare human side to global politics.
Trump’s Disappearing Act
And just like that, he was gone.
After leaving the Asean Summit at around 4.42pm, Trump pulled a Houdini.
Journalists and attendees waiting at KLCC realised he had slipped out through a secret passageway, away from all cameras and crowds.
“It is understood that Trump has left the building, though some say he is still inside using the secret passage,” a source told Sinar.
He reportedly returned quietly to his hotel to prepare for his departure the next morning; a low-key ending to a very not-low-key trip.
What’s Next
Trump on Monday left Malaysia for Japan, the second leg of his three-nation Asia trip, aiming to set the tone for bilateral ties with newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
His two-day visit to Malaysia and his first since reclaiming the presidency might have been short, but it was packed with more memes, moments and diplomatic drama than anyone bargained for.
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