Egypt Daily News – A high-profile meeting at the White House between former U.S. President Donald Trump and five West African leaders took a controversial turn after an awkward exchange with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani sparked outrage online. What was intended as a diplomatic working lunch on trade and regional security quickly became a viral moment, criticized by many as disrespectful and tone-deaf.
A Tense Moment in the Oval Office
The meeting, held in Washington, D.C., brought together Trump and the leaders of Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Senegal, and Gabon. As President Ghazouani began to speak about his country’s development priorities, Trump interrupted him, saying:
“Maybe we need to speed things up a bit… just tell us your name and your country.”
Similar remarks followed. Trump asked the president of Guinea-Bissau to do the same, and inquired of Liberia’s leader:
“Where did you learn English?” a comment that surprised many, considering English is Liberia’s official language.
The incident, caught on video and circulated widely on social media, triggered swift criticism. Many interpreted Trump’s words and tone as dismissive, likening the setting to a teacher addressing students rather than a U.S. president hosting sovereign leaders.
“Humiliation Beyond Humiliation”
Journalist Raneh Al-Sabe’ described the scene as “a classroom roll call,” adding that Trump’s manner toward the African heads of state was condescending.
Dr. Murad Ali, a political analyst, went further, calling the moment “a display of colonial arrogance,” arguing that the former president revealed “a deep-seated sense of superiority.”
A photograph from the Oval Office — showing Trump seated behind the Resolute Desk, red MAGA hat on display, while the African leaders stood stiffly at his sides — reinforced criticism. One user remarked, “He’s not just behind the desk — he’s sitting on their dignity.”
Satire and Sarcasm
Some critics responded with mockery rather than outrage. A satirical account impersonating Ghazouani joked:
“My apologies for my clunky French — maybe it’s karma from the constitution that declares Arabic our official language.”
Others criticized Ghazouani for his approach to the meeting, suggesting his speech sounded more like a sales pitch than a diplomatic address. “He treated the meeting like a trade fair,” one user wrote. “That’s not how you lead camels to water.”
Journalist Mohamed Abdel Moumen called the exchange “a diplomatic scandal,” urging African leaders to stand more firmly for their dignity on the international stage.
Divided Reactions
Not all observers saw Trump’s behavior as offensive. Some argued the interruption was not directed at Ghazouani at all.
“He had finished speaking after ten minutes, and Trump thanked him before turning to the next leader,” noted commentator Abdallah Abdel Rahman.
Others claimed the former president expressed admiration for Ghazouani and that the uproar was exaggerated.
The controversy also divided Mauritanian public opinion. Some voiced disappointment in Ghazouani’s performance, criticizing what they saw as passive behavior.
“He’s the leading candidate to normalize ties with Israel again — no wonder Trump felt emboldened,” one critic wrote.
Conversely, political commentator Ahmed Magdy defended the Mauritanian president:
“He spoke confidently and represented us with strength. His support for Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize nomination was a bold move.”
The Stakes Behind the Scene
According to White House officials, the lunch focused on commercial partnerships and security cooperation in West Africa. CNN reported that the African leaders encouraged Trump to invest in their countries and tap into their natural resource potential.
But according to journalist Maryam Al-Samad, Trump cut off Ghazouani seven minutes into his remarks, urging brevity due to a tight schedule.
“We need to move quicker,” Trump reportedly said, before asking another leader: “Just your name and country, please.”
Additional reports confirmed that Trump made similar requests to other presidents present. Journalist Bassam Bounni summed up the controversy succinctly:
“Trump’s behavior said more about him than his guests. It wasn’t just undiplomatic — it was an embarrassing moment for U.S. protocol.”
