House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre reminded Filipinos that former first lady Imelda Marcos and United States President-elect Donald Trump share a long-standing friendship, adding a layer of nuance to the potential impact of a Trump presidency on the Philippines. Acidre’s remarks came amid speculations that a new Trump administration might pose challenges for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., son of Imelda, due to Trump’s perceived alignment with former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, a vocal Marcos critic.
In a press conference on November 6, Acidre addressed the assumption that Trump’s relationship with Duterte might influence U.S.-Philippine relations, pointing out that Imelda Marcos also shares a history with Trump. “For me, it’s a simplistic appreciation to say that Trump and President Duterte are friends. I can also say that Trump and former First Lady Imelda Marcos are friends, right?” Acidre said, suggesting that historical alliances may influence relations differently than anticipated.
At the time of the press conference, Trump, the Republican nominee in the 2024 U.S. presidential race, was leading in the electoral college votes against Democrat Kamala Harris. Acidre explained that Trump’s connection with the Marcos family dates back to his early days as a real estate mogul in New York, during which he reportedly developed a rapport with Imelda.
Trump served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021, during which he also engaged with Duterte, suggesting a complex web of relationships that may shape U.S.-Philippine ties. Despite these connections, Acidre cautioned against viewing U.S. policies as easily swayed by specific friendships or individual connections within Philippine politics. “It’s too simplistic to say that U.S. policies are determined by particular individuals in Philippine politics,” he noted, adding that such views could misinterpret the broader dynamics at play.
Looking forward, Acidre expressed hope for a U.S. administration that would support policies favorable to the Philippines and its allies. However, he emphasized that Americans alone would determine the direction of their country’s foreign policy, saying, “But to be honest, it’s not for us to say, because we’re not Americans—that’s their election.”
Acidre’s statements highlight the longstanding ties between Trump and the Marcos family while urging Filipinos not to oversimplify the potential implications of a Trump victory on Philippine-U.S. relations.