During an official lunch at the White House, Donald Trump interrupted Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, seven minutes after the start of his intervention. This gesture, deemed inelegant and condescending, caused discomfort and indignation among the other African heads of state present. The scene, filmed and broadcast online, ignited social networks and revived criticism of the diplomatic methods of the former American president.
What happened
On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Donald Trump welcomed the Presidents of five African countries at the White House-Mauritania, Liberia, Senegal, Gabon and Guinea-Bissau-as part of an American-African mini-syst. Reunion, focused on economic and security partnerships, quickly switched to diplomatic discomfort.
While the Mauritanian president, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, developed the strategic assets of his country and his investment opportunities, Donald Trump interrupted him:
“I appreciate this, really, I appreciate it, but we have to speed up the discussion a little, our schedule is busy. »»
A few moments later, Trump spoke to the president of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Packó, with a remark deemed derogatory:
“If you can just tell me your name and your country, it would be great. »»
Finally, Liberian President Joseph Boakai, speaking in English, also surprised Trump, who asked him in an amused tone:
“Have you taught it to Liberia?” »»
– “Yes, sir”replied Boakai, a bit embarrassed.
ترامب يطالب ضيوفه بذكر أسمائهم وبلدناهم فقط pic.twitter.com/v096ktnwxx
– الجزيرة مباشر (@Ajmubasher) July 10, 2025
Reactions
The video of the exchange between Trump and Ghazouani, widely shared on X (formerly Twitter), Tiktok and Instagram, quickly sparked a wave of criticism. Several commentators and political analysts have denounced an “humiliating” and “little diplomatic” attitude, recalling old controversial words made by Trump towards the African continent.
On the African side, no immediate official reaction was communicated. However, according to a diplomat present during the meeting, the atmosphere “obviously cooled” after the intervention of the American president.
Context
Donald Trump is not at his first controversy in connection with Africa. In 2018, he described some African countries as “shitty countries” during a meeting at the White House, causing international outrage. This new episode occurs while Trump tries to treat his international image as the American presidential election in November 2025 approaches.
The Mini-Sommet aimed to revive cooperation with key African states in the fight against terrorism, especially in the Sahel, and to discuss commercial opportunities in a context of increasing rivalry between the United States, China and Russia on the continent.
