SINGAPORE, May 31, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth 
rankled Singaporeans on Saturday by likening President Donald Trump to the 
city-state's late founding premier Lee Kuan Yew.

In a major speech outlining US strategy in the Asia-Pacific region, Hegseth 
referred to both leaders as "historic men".

"Like the late prime minister, President Trump's approach is grounded in 
common sense and national interests," he said at the Shangri-La Dialogue 
which gathers key defence leaders from around the world.

Lee, a British-trained lawyer, served as Singapore's prime minister for three 
decades.

Hegseth praised his "sage leadership and strategic vision".

"That's what common sense policies can achieve, and that's precisely what 
President Trump's vision is all about."

Lee, who turned Singapore into a high-tech industrial and financial centre, 
remains highly revered in Singapore more than a decade after his death.

Social media erupted with loud and acerbic criticism of Hegseth's comparison.

"One is historic, the other is hysteric," said one commenter, while another 
remarked: "Trump compared to Lee Kuan Yew? That's like saying instant noodles 
are the same as fine dining."

"I felt a tremor just now. Must be LKY rolling hard in his grave," said 
someone else on social media, using Lee's initials.