Referring to Xi Jinping, Trump says ‘maybe US will have a president for life someday’

US President Donald Trump was speaking about Chinese President Xi Jinping consolidating power when he told a gathering: “He’s now president for life. President for life. And he’s great.”

President Donald Trump says he thinks it’s great that China’s president now holds that office for life and muses that maybe the US will do the same someday.

US President Donald Trump salutes as he returns to the White House in Washington, from Palm Beach. (Reuters Photo)

Trump’s remarks were met with laughter and applause during a luncheon for Republican donors Saturday at his South Florida estate. CNN said it obtained a recording of the remarks.

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently consolidated power. Trump told the gathering: “He’s now president for life. President for life. And he’s great.” Trump added, “I think it’s great. Maybe we’ll give that a shot someday.”

Trump criticised his Democratic presidential opponent Hillary Clinton, repeated his view about “a rigged system,” and called the Iraq invasion “the single worst decision ever made.” He referred to former President George W Bush as “another real genius.”