Trump Jibes Duterte For Philippines’ China Pivot; Tells Marcos ‘It’s Other President’s Fault’: Watch

In a surprising turn during Philippine President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr’s White House visit, U.S. President Donald Trump took a subtly pointed shot at former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte — without naming him. Trump noted that the administration before Marcos Jr. “did not know what they were doing.” “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 told reporters in the Oval Office. Trump also cautioned the Philippines against pivoting anew to Beijing. “You (Filipinos) did have a country that was tilting towards China for a period of time… I don’t think that would be good for you [but] you can deal with China, you should deal with China,” he said. Meantime, Trump said that he is “going to have a very good relationship” with Marcos Jr., noting he has “known him and his family.” “I know you have some problems with another president. I know it’s not your fault. It’s the [other] president’s fault,” the American leader said. Trump did not name any other president, but the Philippines distanced itself from the United States during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who forged closer ties with Beijing after Washington criticised his administrations drug war. Watch.