U.S. President Donald Trump praised the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. during the latter’s state visit to the United States on Sunday.
In a meeting held at the White House, Trump lauded the diplomatic approach of the Marcos administration, particularly its foreign policy strategies.
“It’s a great honor to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines. Great family, great family legacy, and highly respected in his country,” Trump stated in his remarks to Marcos.
He further described the Philippine president as a “very respectable leader.”
“I know that because I have many friends in the Philippines. There’s great respect or I couldn’t say it, so congratulations,” he added.
Without directly naming names, Trump criticized the previous Philippine administration for its alleged chaotic diplomatic policies, especially in matters concerning the West Philippine Sea.
“I think I can say that the last administration was not getting along with them too well. They didn’t get along with anybody,” Trump remarked.
“Honestly, they didn’t know what they’re doing,” he continued.
The previous administration, led by former President Rodrigo Duterte—now detained at the Scheveningen Prison in The Hague, Netherlands over crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC)—was succeeded by Marcos in 2022.
President Marcos is expected to return to the Philippines later tonight in preparation for his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), scheduled for Monday, July 28.