If Trump Wants to Spotlight Corruption, He Should Try Egypt
Wide-ranging allegations of graft are sparking protests against his “favorite dictator.”
Are those hands clean?
Photographer: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
To invoke a cliche much misused in the Middle East, President Donald Trump never misses an opportunity to miss an opportunity. Having spent last weekend defending his right to ask foreign leaders about corruption — especially if their countries receive substantial American military aid — the president could have underlined his point at his meeting on Monday with General Abdel- Fattah El-Sisi.
After all, Egypt is a major recipient of U.S. military assistance, and is witnessing a wave of anti-corruption protests. Trump would have been well within his rights to ask the general for an explanation — and since no Bidens are involved, this would not have been improper, much less impeachable.