Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye charmed President Donald Trump with flattery on Wednesday, complimenting his golf skills as he floated the idea of a new Trump golf course.
"I know you are a tremendous golf player," Faye told Trump during trade talks at the White House that also included leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and Mauritania. "Golf requires concentration and precision, qualities that also make for a great leader."
The opening primed Trump for Faye's suggestion to boost Senegal's tourism sector by building a golf course there. Faye noted the country is just a six hour plane ride away from New York, Miami, or Europe.
"So, perhaps an investment could be made in a golf course in Senegal," Faye added. "That would be an opportunity for you to show off your skills on the golf course, too."
Trump, visibly pleased, called the idea "nice," adding: "It's a long trip to show off my skill, but that's really nice."
It really shouldn't be that easy to play someone
— Akash Maniam (@ManiamAkash) July 9, 2025
The exchange drew criticism online, with commentators accusing foreign leaders of shamelessly using praise—and potential business deals—to win favor with the U.S. president. "Any world leader can take advantage of this loser just by complimenting him," one user posted.
"A foreign leader is publicly flattering a convicted felon U.S. president by pitching him a damn golf course—like America's foreign policy is just a Trump-branded timeshare," another quipped, while yet another user wrote, "The Senegalese president gets it. All you need to do is flatter him, agree with him, offer him gifts and bribe him, and he'll give you anything you want."
While many were quick to point out the apparent bribery, one added, "Under any other President, impeachment proceedings would immediately start."
The Senegalese president gets it. All you need to do is flatter him, agree with him, offer him gifts and bribe him, and he'll give you anything you want.
— 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐢 (@ChidiNwatu) July 9, 2025
Trump's meeting with the African leaders followed similar moments with other world figures. Trump recently acquired a Qatari jet after a trip to the Middle East. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently extended a rare second state visit invitation from King Charles. And just this week, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented Trump with a letter nominating him for a Nobel Peace Prize.
Trump's reputation as oh so bribable is well known. In May South Africa's president told Trump, "I'm sorry I don't have a plane to give you."
— MikeBates (@MikeBates) July 9, 2025
Trump answered, "I wish you did. I would take it."
A Trump golf course is acceptable too.
Critics warn that such personal appeals blur the line between diplomacy and self-enrichment—and highlight how easily foreign leaders appear able to "play" the American president.
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