Trump jokes he won’t learn Latin American leaders’ language: ‘I don’t have time’

DORAL, FLORIDA: President Donald Trump, at his ‘Shield of the Americas’ summit, joked with Latin American leaders that he won’t be learning their "language" because he simply doesn't have the time.

The president praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s ability to connect with the region, noting that while he relies on professional interpreters to get the job done, Rubio holds a distinct "language advantage."

Trump talks about Marco Rubio’s ‘language advantage’

At his Doral Golf Club, President Donald Trump spoke to leaders about the practical side of international diplomacy. He explained that he is too busy to learn new languages and prefers to use professional interpreters to stay focused on his work.

He pointed out that Secretary of State Marco Rubio spends a lot of time in these countries and has a natural advantage because he already speaks the language.

The president described how Rubio is always traveling to places like Chile and feels very comfortable there.

Trump told the crowd, “He likes it, he feels very comfortable, we all like him, right? He’s got a language, 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 going to spend time learning your language. That much I won’t do. Just give me a good interpreter. Interpreter, very important."

Marco Rubio jokes he can be Trump’s interpreter

The event showed a close working relationship between the president and his team. Before speaking in Spanish to the crowd and the media, Marco Rubio asked for the president’s permission.

Rubio asked, “If I may, because some of these cameras cover in Spanish. You all right ” and Trump replied, “Good, please.” Rubio then joked, “We don’t need an interpreter for this one.”

"I think I'm a good interpreter, you'll find out in a second!," Rubio added as the crowd laughed.

Trump launches ‘Shield of the Americas’ security plan

The summit was held to launch the "Shield of the Americas" plan. The State Department said this strategy is meant to stop foreign interference, criminal gangs, and illicit material cartels.

A major part of the plan is also to stop illegal and mass immigration in the Western Hemisphere. Leaders from 12 countries, including Argentina, Chile, and El Salvador, attended to support these security goals.

To lead this effort, Trump introduced former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem as the “Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas.” While many leaders attended, some countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia were not there.