Donald Trump Says He 'Loves' People Who Are 'Nice' to Him — Even If They Are 'Bad People'

President Donald Trump admitted that he doesn’t mind "bad people" as long as they are nice to him.

Trump made these bizarre comments during a private Easter lunch at the White House on Wednesday, April 1, in video clips that were quickly removed, but not fast enough before they went viral.

The comments came as the 79-year-old president recognized a media figure in the crowd and paused his discussion of military operations in Iran.

“They said, ‘What do you mean you have regime change?’ My friend, great show. I love this guy,” said Trump of the media personality. “He’s so nice to me. Every time I watch, and I appreciate.”

He then continued his ramble, admitting that while he realizes that not everyone nice to him is doing so in good faith, he still likes them anyway.

"You know we're not supposed to be seduced that way, right? But I am. When somebody’s nice to me, I love that person. Even if they’re bad people, I couldn't care less. I’ll fight to the end for them,” he admitted.

These comments were part of a broader set of remarks where he also mocked French President Emmanuel Macron and criticized NATO allies for their stance on the U.S.-Israeli conflict in Iran.

A few days prior, Trump similarly stated that he prefers hanging out with "losers" because it makes him feel better, explaining, "I hate guys that are very, very successful, and you have to listen to their success stories. I like people who like to listen to my success.”

Observers have noted that this "loyalty-first" philosophy is reflected in his second-term administration's use of pardons for supporters and allies, regardless of their prior criminal convictions.

Trump is widely reported to have an intense, well-documented preference for flattery and public praise, often using it to gauge loyalty and build rapport with both allies and foreign leaders.

Observers, including politicians and foreign diplomats, often leverage this by offering compliments to influence his decision-making and secure positive outcomes.

Foreign leaders, including adversaries like Russian President Vladimir Putin, have used praise to negotiate or manage relations, often finding it a key to keeping him on their side.

High-level cabinet meetings have been blasted by critics as North Korean-style, with staffers publicly showering Trump with public accolades in an un-American environment that prioritizes adoration.

Critics successfully argue that the president's demand for praise is "insatiable," and he may eventually become bored or irritated if the level of sycophancy doesn't continually increase.

"It's a sign of weakness that you want to please dictators and seek their flattery and favor,” said former Vice President and Trump opponent Kamala Harris.