Trump, Awaiting Egyptian Counterpart at Summit, Called Out for ‘My Favorite Dictator’

Quip drew attention to uncomfortable facet of U.S.-Egypt relationship

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi with President Trump during last month’s G-7 summit. While awaiting a meeting with Mr. Sisi, Mr. Trump quipped, ‘Where’s my favorite dictator?’

Photo: carlos barria/Reuters
By

Nancy A. Youssef

,

Vivian Salama

and

Michael C. Bender

Inside a room of the ornately decorated Hotel du Palais during last month’s Group of Seven summit in Biarritz, France, President Trump awaited a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi.

“Where’s my favorite dictator?” Mr. Trump called out in a voice loud enough to be heard by the small gathering of American and Egyptian officials. Several people who were in the room at the time said they heard the question.

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