Trump cracks age joke at APEC CEO Summit in South Korea: 'I'm a couple of years older'

During his address, Donald Trump delivered a mix of humor and policy discussion, focusing on trade ties and tariff deals with South Korean President
PUBLISHED OCT 29, 2025
President Donald Trump reacts as he delivers remarks during the APEC CEO Summit at the Gyeongju Arts Center on October 29, 2025 in Gyeongju, South Korea (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump reacts as he delivers remarks during the APEC CEO Summit at the Gyeongju Arts Center on October 29, 2025 in Gyeongju, South Korea (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)


GYEONGJU, SOUTH KOREA: President Donald Trump, 79, kicked off the final leg of his Asia trip on Wednesday, October 29, by attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit.

In a lighthearted moment that caught everyone’s attention, Trump joked, “I’m just a couple of years older than you,” drawing laughter from the audience.

The lighthearted remark came as Trump spoke about strengthening trade ties, stake market and tariff deal with South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung. 

A short video of the moment, shared by his aide Margo Martin, quickly drew attention online. Social media users chimed in with laughter and lively reactions, commenting on both Trump’s joke and the message behind his speech.

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during the APEC CEO Summit at the Gyeongju Arts Center on October 29, 2025 in Gyeongju, South Korea. Trump is in South Korea for the APEC meetings, following an appearance at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, and a trip to Japan, where he called on Japanese Emperor Naruhito and new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump delivers remarks during the APEC CEO Summit at the Gyeongju Arts Center on October 29, 2025 in Gyeongju, South Korea. Trump is in South Korea for the APEC meetings, following an appearance at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, and a trip to Japan, where he called on Japanese Emperor Naruhito and new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Donald Trump delivers lighthearted moment at APEC CEO Summit in South Korea

Attendees applaud as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during the APEC CEO Summit at the Gyeongju Arts Center on October 29, 2025 in Gyeongju, South Korea. Trump is in South Korea for the APEC meetings, following an appearance at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, and a trip to Japan, where he called on Japanese Emperor Naruhito and new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Attendees applaud as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during the APEC CEO Summit at the Gyeongju Arts Center on October 29, 2025 in Gyeongju, South Korea. Trump is in South Korea for the APEC meetings, following an appearance at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, and a trip to Japan, where he called on Japanese Emperor Naruhito and new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump met with South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung in Gyeongju, the historic city hosting the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

While speaking about the stock market, Trump reminisced about the “good old days,” saying that when positive news was announced, markets would rise, unlike now, when good news can sometimes cause a dip. He expressed optimism that things would “go back to the way it used to be.”

Moments later, he added with a smile, “I’m a little bit older than you , just a couple of years,” drawing laughter from the audience as he balanced witty humor with his economic statement.

Donald Trump urges new trade deals and investments to boost US competitiveness 

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung speaks during the opening ceremony for the APEC CEO Summit on October 29, 2025 in Gyeongju, South Korea. Leaders and delegates from 21 APEC economies are gathering in South Korea for the upcoming APEC summit, where talks are expected to center on trade, supply chain stability, and technology cooperation. The meetings come amid heightened regional tensions and efforts to boost growth through closer economic integration, and as U.S. President Trump tours Asia on a six-day visit. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung speaks during the opening ceremony for the APEC CEO Summit on October 29, 2025 in Gyeongju, South Korea. Leaders and delegates from 21 APEC economies are gathering in South Korea for the upcoming APEC summit, where talks are expected to center on trade, supply chain stability, and technology cooperation. The meetings come amid heightened regional tensions and efforts to boost growth through closer economic integration, and as US President Trump tours Asia on a six-day visit (Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

US is seeking $350 billion in investment from South Korea as part of trade talks. The publication also reports that these negotiations are “trickier” and have not yet solved key issues such as how the investment will be funded and how profit will be distributed, according to AP News.

While speaking in South Korea before the APEC Summit began, Trump praised the partnership between the US and South Korea, saying it would help bring back and strengthen America’s shipbuilding industry, as per Greenwich Time.  “We’re wedded, and we have a very special relationship, a special bond,” Trump said.



Viral clip shared by Trump aide draws reactions across social media

As soon as Margo Martin shared the short video of Trump’s comment, it spread quickly across social media.

A person reacted by saying, "Humor and humility that’s the secret to timeless. leadership. Moments like these remind the world that confidence can still have a heart."



Another user shared, "This guy does not HAVE to advocate for YOU! He does so because of a deep sense of JUSTICE."



"Classic Trump humor always finds a way to connect with the crowd and keep the energy alive!" commented someone else. 



"Classic Trump humor - always knows how to get a laugh while keeping the crowd fired up," shared another one.



"He doesn’t even look like he’s in his 70s. The man is 79 and still has more energy, stamina, and clarity than most people half his age. Absolutely incredible," another added.



This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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