Trump Turns Oval Office Into 'Ambush Zone' For Visiting Leaders

For world leaders, an invitation to the Oval Office used to be a coveted prize. Under US President Donald Trump, it has become a ticket to a brutal political ambush.

- 

WASHINGTON - For world leaders, an invitation to the Oval Office used to be a coveted prize. Under US President Donald Trump, it has become a ticket to a brutal political ambush.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa became the latest victim in a long line that started with Mr. Trump's notorious row with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky in February.

Mr. Trump has turned what were staid diplomatic "photo sprays" under his predecessor Joe Biden into punishing, hour-long tests of nerves in the heart of the US presidency, played out on live television.

The sight has become all too familiar - a world leader perched nervously on the edge of his gold-upholstered chair in front of the famed fireplace, waiting to see what happens.

Will the 78-year-old Republican lay on the charm? Will he show off the new gold-plated decor he has been proudly installing in the Oval Office? Will he challenge his guest on tariffs or trade or US military assistance?

Or will he simply tear into them?

Nobody knows before they get there. All they know is that when the cameras are allowed into the most exclusive room in the White House, they will be treading the most perilous of political tightropes.