In a surprising and somewhat unconventional diplomatic moment, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye made international headlines by showering praise on former U.S. President Donald Trump’s golf skills. During an informal press interaction following a private meeting at Trump National Golf Club, Faye complimented Trump’s golfing abilities, calling him “a surprisingly sharp golfer with the swing of a seasoned pro.”
This unexpected praise has ignited a wide spectrum of reactions—ranging from confusion to amusement and even admiration. But what exactly happened, and why did a West African leader find himself talking about Trump golf skills?
Let’s dive into this diplomatic oddity and explore what it could mean.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is known for his pragmatic and diplomatic approach. Since taking office in 2024, he’s focused on building stronger ties with world powers—both traditional and emerging. His recent unofficial visit to the United States included a private meeting with Donald Trump, a former U.S. President and prominent businessman who remains a dominant figure in American politics.
While the meeting was not part of an official U.S. government itinerary, it took place at Trump’s own golf resort in Bedminster, New Jersey. A source from Faye’s team said the meeting aimed to explore “economic opportunities, investment cooperation, and informal cultural exchange.”
But what caught the media’s attention wasn’t the political discussion—it was the unexpected praise about Trump golf skills.
As the two leaders concluded their meeting, they were seen on the golf course engaging in light-hearted conversation. Reporters asked President Faye how the game went. With a broad smile, Faye replied:
“He plays like a pro. Very focused. I did not expect such golf skills. It’s impressive.”
The comment was simple but went viral instantly. It trended on social media platforms across both Africa and the United States. The phrase “Trump golf skills” quickly became a top search term as people tried to make sense of the diplomatic flattery.
Donald Trump’s love for golf is no secret. As a businessman, he owns multiple high-end golf resorts around the world. During his presidency, he often spent weekends playing rounds of golf, sometimes with world leaders, athletes, and celebrities.
Trump has even claimed to have a low handicap, suggesting he plays near the level of a professional. Though many critics question the accuracy of that claim, even his fiercest opponents agree that Trump takes the game seriously.
President Faye’s comment, therefore, wasn’t entirely out of place—it simply reinforced something Trump has long wanted to be known for: his skill on the green.
Many political analysts are now trying to interpret Faye’s comments through a broader lens.
Praising Trump golf skills might be a smart diplomatic move. By complimenting Trump in an area he deeply values, Faye could be laying the groundwork for a stronger personal connection—potentially helpful for business relations or global visibility.
Sometimes, small personal comments are used to defuse tension or bridge cultural gaps. Faye may have used the compliment as a friendly gesture—an ice-breaker rather than a political statement.
Senegal’s leader is no stranger to modern media dynamics. By praising Trump in a widely covered setting, Faye may have aimed to increase Senegal’s global media presence and show his leadership style as approachable and worldly.
The world didn’t take long to respond. Here are a few highlights from various corners of the globe:
What looks like a casual compliment may be more layered than it appears. Leaders often use humor, flattery, or symbolic gestures to send messages or test waters. Faye’s praise of Trump golf skills may indicate:
This golf-related remark may seem like fluff, but it could have subtle implications:
True to his style, Trump took to Truth Social and later issued a brief statement:
“Great round of golf with President Faye of Senegal. He has a good eye—smart leader! Tremendous potential for our countries to work together.”
The message was short but enthusiastic, signaling that he appreciated the attention and the compliment.
It sounds far-fetched, but personal hobbies and informal settings often open doors that formal talks can’t. Golf has long been a favorite setting for leaders to connect. From President Eisenhower to Barack Obama, golf diplomacy has its history.
With Faye’s remarks on Trump golf skills, we’re reminded that politics isn’t always just policies—it’s also people, and sometimes, putting.
This episode may be just one small moment, but it adds to President Faye’s growing reputation as a leader willing to engage with the world in creative and modern ways. Whether he’s aligning with tech startups, speaking at international climate forums, or praising a controversial figure’s golf game, Faye seems committed to making Senegal visible on the global map.
And let’s face it—he just pulled off a rare move: turning a golf game into a headline.
President Faye’s comments about Trump golf skills may seem lighthearted or even random, but they carry more weight than meets the eye. In today’s media-savvy world, small gestures can open big doors. Whether it was sincere admiration, clever diplomacy, or just a well-timed compliment, it has put both leaders—and Senegal—into the international spotlight.
As one social media user put it:
“If diplomacy is a game, President Faye just made a hole-in-one.”
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