Donald Trump concluded his trip in the United Arab Emirates on Friday, bringing his Middle East visit to a close. A single drop of Murban crude oil, the UAE’s premium petroleum, was given to him as a very unusual farewell present as he boarded his flight back to the United States.
Trump’s iconic remark caused the moment to go viral on the internet very quickly. Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE’s minister of industry and advanced technology and CEO of ADNOC, is seen giving Trump a sleek capsule containing the oil in a video that his communications advisor Margo Martin posted. Extracted from a vast oil field that was established in 1958 and today produces over two million barrels per day, Murban is renowned for having some of the best crude oils in the world.
Never one to pass up an opportunity to amuse himself, Trump smiles as he declares, “This is one drop of oil,” while looking into the camera. He pauses for impact before continuing, “They only gave me a drop of the best oil on the planet.” I’m not excited, then. However, it’s preferable than no drop. The footage became an immediate social media sensation due to its deadpan delivery and dry humour.
The ceremonial act was made at the end of a four-day journey that emphasised energy cooperation. A $440 billion investment in the energy industry through 2035 is another significant collaborative initiative between the United States and Gulf nations that Sultan Al Jaber underlined. The announcement is part of Trump’s larger effort to land high-profile commercial deals while he’s in the area.