President Trump Kicks Off Asia Tour with Signature Dance for Welcoming Crowd

Visiting Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit
Responds to Welcoming Crowd with a Dance on the Red Carpet

U.S. President Donald Trump kicked off his Asia tour, which includes stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, with a surprise dance. On October 26, Yonhap News, citing AP and other foreign media, reported that President Trump was warmly received by a local welcoming delegation upon his arrival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit is being held. As soon as he stepped off Air Force One, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim greeted him, and a performance group dressed in traditional Malaysian attire performed a dance next to the red carpet.

Upon arriving in Malaysia, U.S. President Donald Trump was warmly welcomed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as he stepped off Air Force One. Photo by AP Yonhap News

What particularly caught attention that day was President Trump pausing in front of the performance group and moving to the rhythm. He responded to the crowd welcoming him with a dance lasting about 10 seconds. This was the same dance he performed to the old pop song YMCA during the 2020 election campaign, involving clenching his fists and moving his arms back and forth. He also performed the same dance in April this year when he visited a UFC mixed martial arts arena in response to the crowd chanting 'USA.' AP described President Trump's surprise performance as 'his trademark campaign dance.' President Trump also accepted both the Stars and Stripes and the Malaysian flag from the welcoming delegation, waving them side to side in a gesture reminiscent of a 'wiper.'

In his speech at the ASEAN Summit that day, President Trump stated, "The United States stands with you 100% and will remain a strong partner for generations to come." He praised the leaders of each country as "remarkable leaders" and added, "Everything you touch turns to gold." For his first official engagement, President Trump presided over a ceasefire agreement ceremony between Thailand and Cambodia, highlighting his role as a 'peacemaker.'

President Trump responded with a dance lasting about 10 seconds in front of the crowd welcoming him. This dance was the one he performed to the old pop song YMCA during the 2020 election campaign, involving clenching fists and moving arms back and forth. CNN

On the 27th, he will travel to Japan and hold a bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi the following day. This will be the first U.S.-Japan summit since Prime Minister Takaichi took office. On the 29th, he will move on to South Korea for a summit with President Lee Jaemyung. Although President Trump will not attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in South Korea, he is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the APEC CEO luncheon and attend a working dinner with the leaders.