Donald Trump’s Malaysia visit steals spotlight with surprise joget dance
PETALING JAYA: United States President Donald Trump made a grand entrance in Malaysia this morning, turning what was meant to be a formal welcome into a scene straight out of a celebration.
Touching down at the Bunga Raya Complex, KLIA, aboard Air Force One around 10am, Trump was greeted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump and senior officials, the US president arrived for the 47th Asean Summit – his first official visit to Malaysia and a key stop on what the White House calls a “significant diplomatic mission.”
What began as a standard reception soon took an unexpected, cheerful turn when Trump joined a troupe of Malaysian performers in colourful traditional attire, celebrating the nation’s rich multicultural spirit.
In a light-hearted twist, Anwar joined in the fun, exchanging joget moves with Trump as both leaders drew smiles and applause from the crowd.
The lively moment was captured on video and shared on X by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the US President, through the official White House account.
This marks Trump’s first official trip to Malaysia and his maiden participation in an Asean Leaders’ Summit since returning to the White House. He is only the third American president to visit Malaysia, following Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966 and Barack Obama in 2014 and 2015.
During his previous term, Trump attended the 2017 Asean Summit in the Philippines but skipped subsequent regional meetings.
The 47th Asean Summit also marks Malaysia’s final major engagement as Asean Chair 2025, before passing the baton to the Philippines for 2026.
