Trump Calls Iraqi PM 'New Champion' - Here's Why the White House Gold is Drawing Fire

President Donald Trump hosted a press briefing at the White House on Tuesday with Iraq's newly elected Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi. The meeting, held in the Oval Office, was broadcast live and quickly drew attention online, not for its diplomatic content, but for the room's gold decor and the President's remarks. During the briefing, Trump praised al-Zaidi's election win, calling it unexpected and crediting his own support for the outcome. He said he believed al-Zaidi could do the job well and called him a fantastic and new champion for the country. Trump also referenced his past opposition to former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, saying he did not believe al-Maliki would have been good for either country. He added that al-Zaidi won the election soundly, despite not being favored at the start, and said he expected him to remain in the role for a long time. Al-Zaidi remained largely silent throughout the exchange. Behind the two leaders, the Oval Office appeared heavily decorated in gold, including the walls and the fireplace. The decor became a talking point on social media, with users posting reactions to the appearance of the room. Several comments compared the gold accents to a casino setting, while others described the look as excessive or tacky. One user suggested the office resembled a garbage dump, while another joked that gold-tinted glasses might change the President's perception of the space. Some users also joked about the frequency of gold additions to the office. Trump's comments about al-Zaidi also drew attention online. During the meeting, he remarked on the Prime Minister's age and appearance, calling him young and handsome, while patting him on the leg. Social media users responded with a mix of criticism and confusion. Some questioned why personal appearance was mentioned during an official diplomatic meeting, while others characterized the exchange as unusual for a formal setting between world leaders. One user described the comments as part of a pattern of remarks about men's looks, while another suggested the remarks reflected insecurity rather than genuine praise. Stay with us for more verified updates and trending news developments.