It’s not often that you see a U.S. president congratulating someone for being an exceptional communist, but that’s what President Trump did today in a tweet directed at China’s president Xi Jinping.
“Spoke to President Xi of China to congratulate him on his extraordinary elevation,” Trump tweeted. “Also discussed NoKo & trade, two very important subjects!”
Spoke to President Xi of China to congratulate him on his extraordinary elevation. Also discussed NoKo & trade, two very important subjects!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 25, 2017
According to The Hill, China formally elevated Xi to the same status as Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaping and will make him the most powerful leader the country has seen in decades, “making it likely he will serve beyond 2022, when his current term ends.”
The tweet even has some in the conservative blogosphere a little baffled. Writing for RedState, Jim Jamitis said Trump’s words reminded him of the classic mafia movie The Godfather:
I don’t know about you, but to me, a POTUS congratulating a guy for being promoted to the same level as Mao within the Communist Party seems a lot like the FBI congratulating Michael for taking over the leadership of the Corleone organized crime family from Vito.
Either way, Trump is set to take a 12-day trip to Asia starting on November 3rd.
Safe travels, comrade.
Featured image: Martin Schultz/Gage Skidmore