“Not You Again”: Donald Trump Loses Cool at ASEAN Summit Press Conference
Donald Trump clashed with reporters during the ASEAN Summit, calling their questions “boring” before walking out.
US President Donald Trump displayed visible frustration with journalists during a press conference on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit on Sunday, October 26, 2025, following his bilateral meeting with Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The encounter, held amid discussions on regional trade, security, and climate issues, drew attention not for policy revelations but for Trump’s curt responses to reporters’ queries. As the summit brings together leaders from Southeast Asian nations and global partners, Trump’s interaction highlighted his longstanding impatience with media scrutiny, a trait evident throughout his political career.
The tension escalated when Trump rebuked a shouting journalist, demanding they not raise their voice before pivoting to effusive praise for Brazil as a “big, beautiful” country and its leader. He later dismissed a follow-up question outright with the quip, “Not you again, please,” signalling his reluctance to engage further. These moments, captured by attending media, underscore the unpredictable dynamics of Trump’s public appearances, where personal anecdotes often overshadow substantive dialogue.
Toward the conference’s close, Trump deflected broader criticism by labelling the enquiries “not great” and “boring”, abruptly ending the session with a farewell. The exchange occurred against the backdrop of key ASEAN agendas, including economic resilience post-pandemic and navigating US-China tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Trump’s visit aims to reinforce American influence in the region, building on previous administrations’ commitments to a free and open Indo-Pacific strategy.
Also Read: U.S.-China Seal Preliminary Trade Deal Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit
The episode has sparked online commentary and memes, reviving debates about Trump’s media relations as he navigates his second term. While supporters view his candour as authentic, critics argue it undermines diplomatic decorum at high-stakes forums like the ASEAN Summit. As the gathering continues through the week, Trump’s team is expected to focus on bilateral deals, with the press interaction serving as a reminder of the challenges in balancing accessibility and agenda control on the global stage.
Also Read: Trump Brokers Landmark Cambodia–Thailand Peace Accord at ASEAN Summit
