US President Donald Trump landed in Malaysia for a week of discussions with Asian leaders, including visits to Japan and South Korea, CNN reported. Upon arriving in Kuala Lumpur for his first trip to the region since January, Trump oversaw the signing of a peace agreement between leaders from Cambodia and Thailand, building on an earlier truce. Upon arriving in Malaysia, Trump provided an impromptu dance to the honor guard, to the delight of his hosts.
Video: Trump dances in Malaysian / Credit: Reuters
A forthcoming meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping is considered high-stakes as new trade measures strain US-China relations, CNN noted. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed to reporters that preparatory talks have "set the stage for the leaders' meeting," according to CNN. Before this trip, Trump also increased tariffs on Canada and discussed peace efforts in Gaza and Ukraine.
? NOW: President Trump dances as he steps off Air Force One for his arrival ceremony in Malaysia
How can you NOT love this guy? ? pic.twitter.com/gaC0ij0k2c
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) October 26, 2025
CNN's Ivan Watson analyzed the signing ceremony, which CNN's Simone McCarthy reported took on a lighter tone as Southeast Asian leaders praised and gently ribbed President Trump.
"I was in prison, but you almost got there," Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim remarked, CNN reported, referencing shared experiences. Anwar, who faced charges he claims were political, noted Trump was "delighted to break the rules" to offer him a ride, adding, "It was a nice ride." Trump was convicted last year on felony charges, which he disputes.
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet restated his Nobel Peace Prize nomination for Trump regarding his role in resolving the July conflict, CNN mentioned. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also thanked Trump for his "personal dedication" to peace, CNN reported. A July 28 ceasefire was brokered after Trump warned both sides he would withhold trade deals if fighting continued.
Trump maintained a light mood at the Sunday event, CNN reported. He recalled handling the July conflict via phone from his Scotland golf resort. "I said, this is much more important than playing a round of golf, so we sat there all day long, making phone calls," he stated, according to CNN. "You cost me very good entertainment… but this is much more fun for me… because you're saving people."
