U.S. President Donald Trump said he fell deeply in love with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi during a G7 summit event [1].
The comment highlights the unconventional diplomatic style of the U.S. president and the personal nature of his relationships with foreign heads of state.
Trump spoke about the origins of his bond with the Egyptian leader, referencing a meeting that took place during his 2016 campaign [1]. He said the interaction was an immediate connection, stating that the two leaders clicked from the start [2].
"He was in a hotel, and I met him, and we fell in love. Deeply in love," Trump said [1].
The U.S. president said that el-Sisi had predicted his victory in the 2016 election, which contributed to the affection he feels for the Egyptian leader [2]. This personal rapport has persisted through multiple diplomatic engagements, and international forums.
While the remark occurred in a public setting, it drew attention for its unusual phrasing in a diplomatic context. The exchange took place at the G7 summit in 2024 [1].
Trump has frequently emphasized the importance of personal chemistry when conducting foreign policy. By framing his relationship with el-Sisi in these terms, he signals a preference for individual rapport over traditional institutional diplomacy [2].
“"He was in a hotel, and I met him, and we fell in love. Deeply in love."”
This interaction reflects a broader pattern of transactional and personality-driven diplomacy. By prioritizing a personal bond with President el-Sisi, the U.S. administration emphasizes individual leadership connections over formal state-to-state protocols, which can either streamline bilateral agreements or create volatility based on the stability of those personal relationships.
