Joko Widodo, Indonesia’s president, was caught on a “hot‑mic” moment when he asked U.S. President Donald Trump for a meeting with Trump’s son, Eric. The slip‑up happened during a private briefing with the U.S. administration, and the recording quickly went viral on social media.
The incident took place early this week in Washington, D.C., amid talks about trade and security in Southeast Asia. Widodo, who has been busy sharpening Indonesia’s diplomatic ties, reportedly wanted Trump to show the same hospitality he has shown to President Widodo in past visits. The president even said, “Mr. Trump, could you have Eric join us for a coffee?” before the microphone picked up the conversation.
The video sparked jokes online and drew criticism from some analysts. They said the request seemed unreasonable, given the formalities of presidential visits and the distance between the two postures. Others defended Widodo, noting that personal requests for small gestures sometimes accompany high‑level diplomacy.
Trump’s spokesperson denied any knowledge of the request and said the president had no plans to arrange a private meet‑up with his son. The incident highlights the challenges of maintaining decorum when officials are quick to think about personal touches in diplomacy.
This hot‑mic moment has already made the news across AP, Reuters, and other outlets, with many commentators debating the best way leaders balance public protocol with personal engagement. The story serves as a reminder of how a single audio clip can quickly turn into a global conversation.
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