Indonesian president asks Trump for meeting with son Eric in 'hot mic' moment
US President Donald Trump and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto shake hands as they pose for a photo, at a world leaders' summit on ending the Gaza war, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, October 13, 2025. - REUTERS
JAKARTA: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto asked U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday if he could meet with Trump's son Eric, an executive vice president of the Trump Organization, according to comments by the leaders picked up by a microphone after Trump had addressed a Gaza-focused summit in Egypt.
AI Brief
- Trump and Indonesia's Prabowo were unknowingly recorded discussing a meeting with Eric or Don Jr. after a summit in Egypt.
- The conversation hinted at possible business ties but lacked clarity on whether it involved the Trump Organization.
- The exchange raised questions due to Trump's business links in Indonesia and past delays in joint resort projects with MNC Group.
The two spoke in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh after Trump delivered remarks to a group of world leaders gathered for the summit, which followed the announcement of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
The White House and the Trump Organization's Indonesian business partner, MNC Group, did not respond to requests for comment on the exchange.
It was not clear in the audio whether the two were referencing the Trump Organization or any business deals involving the president or his family.
Speaking to Trump as the two men stood behind a podium with a microphone, Prabowo refers to a region that is "not safe, security-wise" and then asks Trump: "Can I meet Eric?"
Trump says: "I'll have Eric call. Should I do that? He's such a good boy. I'll have Eric call."
Prabowo then mentions the name "Hary" in a comment and says "we'll look for a better place".
Trump says again: "I'll have Eric call you."
Prabowo says: "Eric or Don Jr."
Eric Trump and his brother Donald Trump Jr. both serve as executive vice presidents of the Trump Organization, which has business operations involving real estate, hospitality and blockchain-based ventures.
LONG-TIME TRUMP PARTNER
It was unclear who Prabowo was referring to when he mentioned "Hary".
The MNC conglomerate's founder and executive chairman is Hary Tanoesoedibjo, a long-time business partner of the Trump Organization, who attended the U.S. president's inauguration this year.
Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono said he did not know what the president spoke to Trump about, adding the two leaders shared a close relationship and could have discussed issues outside of state affairs.
When asked by reporters whether Prabowo was referring to Tanoesoedibjo, Sugiono said he had not heard the recording.
MNC's property unit MNC Land operates an integrated resort in partnership with the Trump Organization about 60 km (37 miles) south of Jakarta.
In February, the environment ministry ordered MNC Land to halt development of the project over water management and environmental issues.
The Trump Organization and MNC Land are also developing a luxury resort and a golf club in Tabanan, on the Indonesian island of Bali. The project is listed on the Trump Organization's website as "coming soon". Both projects have faced significant delays.
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