Trump jokes about similarity between Trinidad PM’s name and Kamala Harris: ‘I like Kamla better’

DORAL, FLORIDA: During a diplomatic meeting, President Donald Trump made people laugh by joking about how the names of Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and Kamala Harris, the former vice president of the United States, sounded similar.

The moment unfolded when the two leaders addressed the public and Trump pointed out the resemblance between their first names, turning the otherwise formal exchange into a lighthearted moment.

Light moment during diplomatic exchange

The exchange occurred during discussions involving US officials and Caribbean leaders, where Trump and Persad-Bissessar spoke about regional cooperation and economic issues affecting the Western Hemisphere.

US President Donald Trump and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar shared the humorous moment during the “Shield of the Americas” summit in Florida.

While acknowledging the regional leaders gathered for the event, Trump paused when he came to the Trinidad and Tobago leader’s name.

“Your name is very similar to a first name that we have, but fortunately it’s pronounced differently,” Trump said, drawing laughter from the attendees.

“This is Kamla as opposed to Kamala. I like Kamla better, in many ways. And I have to say thank you very much, but I have to be careful with that first name. I don’t want to get it mixed up because it would ruin your reputation completely.”

The remark appeared to be intended as humor during an otherwise formal diplomatic engagement.

Trump also acknowledged that he wanted to make sure he pronounced the Trinidadian leader’s name correctly while greeting her during the event.

Trump praises Persad-Bissessar, references Kamala Harris

Trump then recounted a brief exchange he had with Persad-Bissessar regarding the specific pronunciation of her name.

“I said this is the same pronunciation. She said, ‘No sir, it’s a little different.’ It’s Kam-la as opposed to Kam,” Trump noted, emphasizing the distinction.

He then added a remark referencing Harris: “We don’t like ‘Kam’.”

Beyond the banter, the summit brought together leaders from across the Western Hemisphere to discuss serious regional issues, including security, migration, and strategies aimed at reducing the influence of rival global powers in the Americas.

At the conclusion of the event, Trump signed a formal proclamation committing the gathered nations to countering cartel criminal activity, after which he handed the signing pen to Persad-Bissessar.

Trump has been increasing engagement with Latin American and Caribbean leaders in recent months as part of broader efforts to strengthen US influence in the region and counter growing geopolitical competition.