Luxon and Trump Share Unconventional Dinner Conversation

During a recent dinner hosted by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and former U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in a lively and often humorous exchange. The event, held on March 15, 2024, featured a menu that included truffle dumplings and a dish called ogol chicken, which prompted a series of memorable remarks from both leaders.

As guests settled down for the meal, Lee welcomed everyone and introduced the evening’s culinary offerings. The conversation quickly turned light-hearted when Luxon invited attendees to visit New Zealand, boasting about the country’s exceptional chickens. He quipped, “I guarantee you will want to ‘ogol’ our chickens!” This playful remark drew laughter, although he quickly added a note of caution against objectifying women.

Trump, known for his bold personality, responded with a mix of humor and bravado. “You don’t have women we’d want to ogle? What sort of country is that?” he joked, before asking Luxon if they had met before, showcasing his characteristic charm.

Luxon identified himself as the Prime Minister, which prompted Trump to recall his previous role at Unilever, albeit with a humorous twist. He praised the gathering as an assembly of “visionary innovators and titans of industry,” emphasizing his belief that the United States currently enjoys a “golden age” marked by a strong economy and robust military.

In a striking contrast to the light-hearted banter, Trump claimed that his administration had achieved remarkable economic progress in a short time frame. He highlighted the potential of over $18 trillion in new investments flowing into the United States, a stark contrast to what he termed the previous administration’s minimal achievements.

The dinner took a culinary turn when Trump expressed surprise at the appearance of the ogol chicken, which is known for its distinctive dark color. “Is it supposed to be black? It’s not a good color,” he remarked, while Lee defended the dish’s reputation, explaining its significance in South Korean cuisine.

Amid the laughter and jokes, Trump continued to discuss his administration’s efforts to streamline government by reducing the workforce. He claimed that “100,000 bureaucrats have left the federal payroll” under his leadership, asserting that these cuts were beneficial as they eliminated wasteful jobs.

Luxon chimed in with a parallel observation about his own experience, stating, “I’ve made tens of thousands of people unemployed and it’s really turned things around.” This comment drew a positive reaction from Trump, who proposed a toast to Luxon and his leadership style.

As the evening progressed, Trump continued to offer colorful commentary, describing Luxon as a man “with a beautiful head of hair” and humorously referring to his own shrinking government. The dinner concluded with Trump expressing his appreciation for the food, despite his reservations about the ogol chicken, and a lighthearted farewell before leaving the gathering.

As the night wrapped up, Luxon sought to further discuss trade tariffs, but Trump quickly dismissed the topic, highlighting the informal nature of their conversation. The event not only showcased the personalities of the leaders but also provided a glimpse into the dynamics of international relations characterized by humor and camaraderie.