Donald Trump Says He Fell 'Deeply in Love' With Egypt's President

The former president claims Abdel Fattah el-Sisi skipped a meeting with Hillary Clinton because of their instant chemistry.

World leaders usually talk about trade and safety when they meet. But Donald Trump claims his first meeting with Egypt's leader was more like a love story.

WHAT HAPPENED

Donald Trump recently shared memories of his 2016 meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The meeting took place in a New York hotel.

Trump says the two men hit it off right away. He claims they fell "deeply in love" and stayed together twice as long as planned.

Trump also claims the Egyptian leader predicted his win. He says el-Sisi did not even want to meet with Hillary Clinton.

What the Meeting Records Show

• The meeting took place in September 2016.
• Trump was running for president at the time.
• Trump claims they talked for double the planned time.
• Trump says they had "great chemistry."
• Trump claims el-Sisi refused to meet his rival.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

Why does Trump use such romantic words to describe foreign leaders? He has used similar language for other strong leaders in the past. It makes us ask how he plans to handle foreign deals if he wins again.

THE OTHER SIDE

Supporters say Trump's warm words are just his way of building strong bonds. They argue this personal style helps him make better deals. But critics point out that news records from 2016 show el-Sisi did meet with Hillary Clinton during that same trip.

This defense seems weak because public records confirm the Clinton meeting did happen.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

As Trump runs for office again, his style of talk is back in the news. Voters must decide if his personal bonds with foreign leaders are good or bad.

It shows how he might deal with global allies and rivals in the future.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

Why did Trump claim the Egyptian president did not want to meet Clinton when records show they did meet?

• How does President el-Sisi feel about Trump's comments today?
• Did this 2016 meeting change how Egypt dealt with the US during Trump's time in office?