In Washington, D.C., on December 4, 2025, President Donald Trump joined Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame at a high-profile press event tied to a peace process in the region. A clip shown in Jimmy Kimmel’s Thursday night monologue captured Trump attempting to pronounce Tshisekedis name for the first time, prompting a flurry of jokes from the late-night host.
“Perfect,” Kimmel quipped after Trump stumbled over the name, then asked the audience, “Could we hear that again?” The clip was replayed as laughter erupted in the studio. Kimmel then correctly pronounced the DRC leaders name and added, “But dont interrupt Donald Trump when hes in the middle of a little stroke.”
The bit continued with a broader look at the meeting, including Trumps remarks that after years of conflict, the two countries could soon be hugging, holding hands, and taking advantage of the United States of America economically like every other country does.
Video from the event also showed Kagame laughing while Tshisekedi appeared unamused, a moment Kimmel mined for punchlines about the optics of diplomacy.
Kimmel was not alone among comedians in weighing in. The Daily Shows Jordan Klepper joined in on the mispronunciation jokes, noting that Trump had really “gone for it” and that English speakers often stumble over Tshisekedis name. Klepper even acknowledged that shiskedi can be tricky on first try, before mocking Trump himself for the stumble.
The moment quickly became a talking point in late-night and online circles, casting light-hearted scrutiny on a ceremony meant to advance diplomacy between two African nations and the United States. While the mispronunciation drew laughs, it also underscored how such high-profile gatherings can become fodder for satirical commentary.
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