I’m Not Learning Your Damn Language - Trump Jokes at Shield of the Americas Summit
President Donald Trump brought levity to his first Shield of the Americas Summit, poking fun at his own Spanish skills while meeting with Latin American leaders at his Doral Golf Club on Saturday, March 7.
Speaking to 12 leaders from across the region, the 79 year old joked that while he hoped to visit their countries one day, learning Spanish was not on his agenda. “Marco loves going to your countries.
He’s always at one of these countries. He likes your countries the best,” Trump said, referring to Marco Rubio.
Trump then laughed about his own limitations with languages. “He’s got a language advantage over me, ‘cause I’m not learning your damn language. I don’t have time. I was okay with languages but I’m not gonna spend time learning your language. That much I won’t do,” he said, emphasizing the value of a “good interpreter” in international discussions.
Later, Rubio addressed the leaders in Spanish, acknowledging that “some of these cameras are covering in Spanish.” The senator, whose parents immigrated from Cuba, added humorously, “We don’t need an interpreter for this one. I think I’m a good interpreter, you’ll find out in a second.”
After Rubio’s brief Spanish address, Trump returned to the podium and gave his playful assessment. “Is he better in Spanish or in English? I think he’s better in Spanish … it’s great,” he said, smiling at the crowd.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also joined the lighthearted moment, opening his speech with a quip: “Mr. President, I only speak American.”
The Shield of the Americas initiative, introduced by the Trump administration, is aimed at improving regional security.
According to White House spokesperson Olivia Wales, the program focuses on “advancing cutting-edge strategies to defeat narco-terrorist cartels and stop illegal mass migration to make America and the entire Western Hemisphere safer.”
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