Trump Praises Erdogan as a "Tough Cookie," Calls Other World Leaders "Weak"
US President Donald Trump on Monday said he gets along best with "tough" world leaders, just hours after signing what he called a comprehensive Gaza peace agreement with Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey serving as guarantors.
In an audio clip released from the White House, Trump can be heard saying, "I get along with the tough ones. I don't get along with the weak ones," reportedly building on remarks he had made earlier in
Speaking about his relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trump added, "I don't know what it is, but Erdogan has been great with me.
Whenever NATO runs into issues with him - and that happens quite often - they call me, and I've neverNATO runs into issues with him - and that happens quite often - they call me, and I've never failed to sort it out immediately."
Trump's comments were reportedly made aboard Air Force One on October 13, shortly after the US President spoke at the Gaza peace summit held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
Calls Erdogan a "Tough Cookie" and a "Friend"
While addressing world leaders after the peace deal's signing, Trump referred to Erdogan as both a "tough cookie" and a "friend." "I don't know why, but I prefer the tough ones to the soft, easy ones," Trump said, drawing laughter from the audience.
The US President went on to praise Erdogan's decisive leadership in regional conflicts, saying, "If you look at some of the recent conflicts, he waswinning. He did win them."
Highlighting Erdogan's no-nonsense approach, Trump said, "He doesn't ask for recognition or rewards. He just wants to be left alone. Every time I've needed him, he's been there for me."
The statement reportedly received strong applause from the international delegates present at the summit.
Commenting further on Erdogan's sometimes strained relationship with NATO, Trump remarked, "When NATO has a problem with him - because, let's face it, he can be difficult - they call me and say, 'Can you please talk to Erdogan?' And I do. He never lets us down. He's amazingTrump’s remarks underline his admiration for assertive world leaders, even as his “tough vs. weak” comparison has stirred debate across international political circles.