President Donald Trump recently hosted the leader of Azerbaijan at the White House, showing admiration for his nearly 22-year rule over the country.
Despite the accolades, President Ilham Aliyev has faced accusations of dictatorship, which has led many to scrutinize the 79-year-old American President’s favorable remarks about Aliyev’s long tenure.
The 63-year-old Azerbaijani leader visited the White House for a peace summit aimed at signing an agreement with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, intended to end years of conflict.
The United States has a stake in this deal as it will establish a significant transit corridor, called the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity. This initiative will see the reopening of key transportation routes by the US, taking advantage of Russia’s waning influence in the region.
Last Friday, Trump inquired about Aliyev’s duration in power, receiving the response: “It’s been 22 years.”
Trump responded with enthusiasm: “22 years, that’s pretty good.”
Turning to the audience, he added: “That means he’s tough and smart.”
In recent moves to demonstrate his own ‘tough’ stance, Trump has initiated military-style measures against homelessness and crime in Washington, D.C.
He has deployed the National Guard and assumed control over the police force in the capital—actions that have brought him under scrutiny for his authoritative approach.
“Already they’re saying, ‘He’s a dictator.’ The place is going to hell, and we’ve got to stop it,” Trump said as reported by NBC News.
“So instead of saying ‘he’s a dictator’, they should say, ‘We’re going to join him and make Washington safe’.”
Trump’s statements on Truth Social included: “I’m going to make our Capital safer and more beautiful than it ever was before. The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital.
“The Criminals, you don’t have to move out. We’re going to put you in jail where you belong.”
He further asserted: “We went from millions pouring in, to ZERO in the last few months. This will be easier – Be prepared!”
To support his message, Trump shared four images, depicting tents for homeless people along the roadsides and litter on city streets.
He concluded with a firm note: “There will be no ‘MR. NICE GUY.’ We want our Capital BACK. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”