From Ghosting to Golf Courses: Trump’s Africa U-Turn | Vantage with Palki Sharma

From Ghosting to Golf Courses: Trump’s Africa U-Turn | Vantage with Palki Sharma

Here’s a tiny tale featuring an ex. The one who laughed at you, who made fun of your behavior, who ghosted you for months. Now that ex is back, this time with flashy clothes and better words. And he says, “We should meet again.” That’s the story. And it also sums up Trump’s Africa summit. I’ll tell you why. The US president has invited five African leaders to the White House. Five out of a continent of 54 countries. And which are these five countries? Gabon, Guinea, Bisau, Liberia, Moritania, and Sagal. This is the handpicked group. These are countries with minerals and migration issues. These are also the smaller economies of Africa. So these are the kind of partners who are more likely to say yes to your demands. the ones who are less likely to walk out at the sign of a conflict because that’s the thing about a gaslighter. They love an uneven power dynamic. So Trump invited them for a summit. The summit will go on for three days but the US president seems to have lost his patience on day one itself and we have a lot of resources in our seaater. So lots of fishing and whatnot. I don’t want to spend too much time on this. can’t. We have to go. But I appreciate it very much. I appreciate it. Maybe we’re going to have to go a little bit quicker than this because we have a whole schedule. Be a little quicker. That’s what Trump is telling an African leader. Guess he’s just being himself. Here’s what happened at the lunch table. The African leaders took turns. They were singing praises of Donald Trump. They were pitching projects. One of them even invited Trump to build a golf course. And yes, they also brought up the Nobel Peace Prize. I believe that he does deserve a Nobel Peace Prize. That is my opinion on this. Very nice. Thank you. I didn’t know I’d be treated this nicely. This is great. We could do this all day long. Thank you very much. Please go ahead. So the US president soaked it all up, but moments later he cut off one of the leaders mid speech, asking him to be a bit quicker because Trump had a whole schedule. This is classic Trump. Bask in all the compliments, but check your watch when the other side makes demands. Why is he meeting them at all? Trump’s motto for Africa is quite clear. Trade, not aid. And that per se is not the problem. It’s the approach. The US president does not care about how Africa is doing. He’s just scanning the room to see who has something he needs. And we’re working tirelessly to forge new economic opportunities involving both the United States and many African nations. There’s great economic potential in Africa like few other places in many ways. And the long run, this will be far more effective and sustainable and beneficial than anything else that we can be doing together. This is not a partnership. It’s a transaction wrapped in flattery. And Trump took it too far with a backhanded compliment. Listen to what he said to the president of Liberia. We want to work with the United States in peace and security within the region because we are committed to that and we just want to thank you so much for this opportunity. Well, thank you and such good English. Such beautiful Where did you Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where where were you educated? Where? Yes, sir. In Liberia. Yes, sir. Well, that’s very interesting. It’s beautiful English. True. I have people at this table can’t speak nearly as well and they come from they come from here. So thank you very much. That was Liberian President Joseph Boa Kai. He talked about partnering with the US. But guess what? Trump heard English. An African leader speaking in English. So Trump being Trump asked him where he learned the language. And the answer surprised him even more. Trump could not believe it was Liberia. Beautiful English. It was obviously very tonedeaf. It betrayed his lack of sensitivity and basic homework. Thank you. So, here’s some historical trivia for US President Trump. Liberia was founded in 1822 by the American Colonization Society. This was to resettle freed American slaves. The country declared independence in 1847. English is the official language of Liberia, so their leader speaking English should not be a surprise. But this episode is telling. It shows what the US thinks of the African continent. And Trump has a history of doing this. By the way, in 2018, he made headlines for his vulgar dismissal of African nations. He mocked African accents. He cut aid programs. He’s asked where certain countries are located. And now he wants a fresh start. The reason for this is China and Russia, they’re making inroads in Africa. They’re gaining turf and Trump does not want to be left out. In fact, the leader of Gabon even mentioned it during the summit. Our country is free, open to one and all. You are welcome to come and invest. Otherwise, other countries might come instead of you. Thank you. Also, the countries he invited sit on top of some of the world’s richest deposits. Gabon alone holds nearly a quarter of the world’s manganesees. Seneagal wants to build a tech city. Liberia wants to host a US military facility. All of them have something to offer to Donald Trump. So this was less a diplomatic outreach and more of a sales pitch. Not to understand Africa but to leverage it. Because when Trump looks looks at Africa, he does not see people or partners or potential. He sees a map of resources and market access. Of course, Africa has been here before. Smooth words, shiny contracts, strategic partnerships, and friendships. The promises from Trump may sound new, but the power play is the same old story. [Music] First post now available in nine languages. anguages on YouTube. English 36ion, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish. [Music] Go to settings, click on audio track, and select the language of your choice. Be the first to know what’s happening around you in your first language. First post. [Music]

From Ghosting to Golf Courses: Trump’s Africa U-Turn | Vantage with Palki Sharma

Trump ghosted Africa for years. Now he’s back—like an ex with promises and a schedule to keep. His Africa Summit featured five handpicked leaders, all from resource-rich but politically quieter nations. He soaked in compliments, cut off speeches, and was shocked Africans speak English. Why now? It’s because China and Russia are making moves. Trump doesn’t want to be left behind – but is this diplomacy or a sales pitch? Palki Sharma tells you.

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Donald Trump | US | Africa | Liberian President | Africa Summit | Firstpost | World News | News Live | Vantage | Palki Sharma | News

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Vantage is a ground-breaking news, opinions, and current affairs show from Firstpost. Catering to a global audience, Vantage covers the biggest news stories from a 360-degree perspective, giving viewers a chance to assess the impact of world events through a uniquely Indian lens.

The show is anchored by Palki Sharma, Managing Editor, Firstpost.

By breaking stereotypes, Vantage aims to challenge conventional wisdom and present an alternative view on global affairs, defying the norm and opening the door to new perspectives. The show goes beyond the headlines to uncover the hidden stories – making Vantage a destination for thought-provoking ideas.

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