US President Donald Trump's private conversation with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, caught on a hot mic, has raised eyebrows over allegations of self-dealing. The audio recording shows that Mr Trump agreed to facilitate a meeting between the two leaders, telling the Indonesian president "I'll have Eric call you," referring to his adult son Eric.
According to Trump, he was approached by the Indonesian leader with the intention of meeting with his son's business interests in Indonesia, particularly at two properties owned by the Trump Organization: one in Bali and another which is currently under construction. The elder Trump downplayed any potential conflict of interest, saying "I don't get involved in politics in Indonesia," but acknowledged that his son has a close relationship with the country and expressed pride over their real estate success.
The younger Trump echoed these sentiments during an interview on CNN, highlighting the two Indonesian projects as among the most significant in the region. In contrast to the conservative media's past criticism of President Biden for perceived family ties to the government, this incident has sparked little reaction from Republican lawmakers such as Jim Jordan and James Comer who previously accused the Biden administration of a similar "crime family" scandal.
The Trump Organization has since defended their business dealings in Indonesia, stating that they began in 2015 before President Trump's first term. Meanwhile, Indonesian officials have denied any prior knowledge about the conversation between their president and Mr Trump.
According to Trump, he was approached by the Indonesian leader with the intention of meeting with his son's business interests in Indonesia, particularly at two properties owned by the Trump Organization: one in Bali and another which is currently under construction. The elder Trump downplayed any potential conflict of interest, saying "I don't get involved in politics in Indonesia," but acknowledged that his son has a close relationship with the country and expressed pride over their real estate success.
The younger Trump echoed these sentiments during an interview on CNN, highlighting the two Indonesian projects as among the most significant in the region. In contrast to the conservative media's past criticism of President Biden for perceived family ties to the government, this incident has sparked little reaction from Republican lawmakers such as Jim Jordan and James Comer who previously accused the Biden administration of a similar "crime family" scandal.
The Trump Organization has since defended their business dealings in Indonesia, stating that they began in 2015 before President Trump's first term. Meanwhile, Indonesian officials have denied any prior knowledge about the conversation between their president and Mr Trump.
... I mean, what if his interests clash with Indonesia's? Or what if he uses his dad's influence for personal gain? 
This conversation on the hot mic does raise some red flags.
. and why no one else was involved in this discussion is even more suspicious. it smells like some serious self-dealing going on over there. btw, has anyone else noticed how different the media's reaction is now compared to when joe biden was in office? seems like republicans are suddenly all about "family ties" being okay 
I'm so tired of these guys playing fast & loose with their family business! It's like they think they're above the law or something 
. I mean, can you imagine if someone from a "normal" business had dealings like this? They'd be in prison by now 
. And what really gets me is that Jim Jordan and James Comer are just sitting there, doing nothing 
. When it comes to their own kind, suddenly they're all about "following the law"... give me a break 
! Like, I get it, politicians often use family connections for favors, but when it comes to a private meeting with Indonesia's president? That's some serious nepotism 