Eric Trump has publicly addressed a hot microphone incident in which his father, President Donald Trump, was recorded discussing a potential meeting between Eric and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, sparking concerns over ethical boundaries in the Trump administration.
The incident occurred on October 13, 2025, during President Trump’s visit to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, for a Gaza summit. A microphone picked up a private conversation between Trump and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, where Subianto asked, ‘Can I meet Eric?’ to which Trump replied, ‘I’ll have Eric call. Should I do that? He’s such a good boy, I’ll have Eric call.’ The audio, obtained by Reuters, quickly circulated online, drawing immediate scrutiny from media outlets and ethics watchdogs.
Eric Trump, who serves as executive vice president of the Trump Organization, was questioned about the exchange in multiple interviews. Speaking to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on October 16, he confirmed that the conversation likely pertained to the family’s business ventures in Indonesia. He revealed that the Trump Organization owns a golf club near Jakarta and has another project planned in Bali, which he said would rise ‘very soon,’ emphasizing the long-standing nature of these investments.
In his responses, Eric Trump expressed amusement at the request, telling Real America’s Voice that he ‘started laughing’ when he heard about it. He asserted that President Subianto’s interest stemmed from the prominence of the Trump projects in Indonesia rather than any political motivations. Eric also noted that he has never met the Indonesian president, suggesting this indicated a separation between business and politics.
Despite Eric’s claims of a ‘huge wall’ between his business activities and his father’s presidency, the incident has reignited debates over potential conflicts of interest. Critics point to the Trump family’s history of blending commercial and political roles, with this event highlighting ongoing ethical concerns. A spokesperson for the Trump Organization stated that the properties are significant in Indonesia and that it’s unsurprising they were referenced, given their scale and visibility.
The hot mic moment adds to a series of controversies where Trump’s business dealings have intersected with his presidential duties, such as his promotion of branded merchandise from the White House. This has led to calls for clearer ethical guidelines to prevent perceived improprieties in international diplomacy and governance.
As the story develops, it remains uncertain whether Eric Trump will follow through with a meeting with President Subianto. The outcome could influence U.S.-Indonesia relations and domestic perceptions of the administration’s transparency. Broader implications include potential impacts on foreign policy and public trust, underscoring the challenges of maintaining boundaries between personal business and public office in high-level leadership.