Trump Jokes About Not Learning Other Languages At Americas Summit

President Donald J. Trump delivered a mix of humor and policy messaging Saturday while hosting leaders from across Latin America at the Shield of the Americas summit, held at his Trump National Doral resort outside Miami.

According to the United States Department of State, the summit was designed to coordinate regional efforts to counter foreign influence and strengthen cooperation against security threats throughout the Western Hemisphere.

Officials said discussions centered on combating transnational criminal networks, narco-terrorist organizations, drug cartels, and illegal mass migration—issues that have increasingly affected countries across the region.

Trump Jokes About Language Barrier

During his remarks, Trump praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is of Cuban heritage and fluent in Spanish. The president joked that Rubio’s language skills give him an advantage when traveling through Latin America.

“Marco loves going to your countries,” Trump told the assembled leaders. “He’s always at one of these countries. He likes your countries the best, you know?”

Trump then humorously described how Rubio often reports back from his trips abroad.

“Where are you?” Trump said, mimicking a conversation.

“I’m in Chile.”

“Oh, good, how’s Chile doing?”

“Good.”

The president then joked about the difference between his own language abilities and Rubio’s.

“He’s got a language, he’s got a language advantage over me,” Trump said before adding with a laugh: “’Cause I’m not learning your damn language.”

Trump explained that while he once enjoyed studying languages, his responsibilities as president leave little time for it.

“I don’t have time,” Trump said. “I was okay with languages, but I’m not going to spend time learning your language. That much I won’t do.”

Instead, he said he relies on translators during diplomatic meetings.

“Just give me a good interpreter,” Trump said. “Interpreter, very important.”

Rubio Responds in Spanish

When Rubio later approached the podium, he asked Trump if he could briefly address the audience in Spanish for international media outlets covering the event.

“If I may, because some of these cameras cover in Spanish,” Rubio said.

“You all right —”

“Good, please,” Trump replied.

Rubio then joked that translation would not be necessary for that moment.

“Oh, good,” Rubio said.

“We don’t need an interpreter for this one.”

After Rubio concluded his remarks, Trump introduced Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who added his own lighthearted comment to the moment.

“I only speak American,” Hegseth told the audience.

Regional Security a Major Focus

Beyond the humor, the summit focused heavily on strengthening cooperation between the United States and regional partners on security matters. Officials said the initiative is designed to coordinate strategies against organized crime, cartel activity, and illegal migration flows across the hemisphere.

However, several major regional powers did not participate in the gathering, including Brazil and Mexico. Also absent were Colombia—a longtime U.S. partner in anti-narcotics operations—and Cuba.

Officials did not explain why those nations declined to attend.

Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was also present at the summit. Trump announced that Noem will serve as Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas initiative, a role expected to focus on coordinating security partnerships tied to the summit’s goals.

Trump Predicts Major Changes in Cuba

Trump also delivered a sharp critique of Cuba’s communist government while speaking to the gathered leaders.

The president said the island nation is approaching a major turning point.

“As we achieve a historic transformation in Venezuela, we’re also looking forward to the great change that will soon be coming to Cuba,” Trump said, according to reporting by The Huffington Post.

Trump added that the Cuban regime is “very much at the end of the line.”

He described the country as having “no money,” “no oil,” “a bad philosophy,” and a “bad regime.”

The president has previously floated the idea of what he called a “friendly takeover” of Cuba during remarks last month, suggesting that significant political change on the island could reshape the balance of power in the Caribbean.

As the administration continues expanding its security partnerships throughout the hemisphere, officials say initiatives like the Shield of the Americas summit are designed to counter both criminal organizations and foreign influence in the region.