Uncomfortable Stillness Sets In After Trump Fumbles an Easy Segment

President Donald Trump commenced a supposedly significant peace ceremony with an awkward stumble that unsettled the atmosphere, transforming a routine diplomatic engagement into a viral moment. Before addressing the key points, Trump mispronounced the name of Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi, leading to visible discomfort among the leaders and sparking outrage online. Hosting Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Tshisekedi at the rebranded Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace, Trump attempted to celebrate a regional accord. However, his remarks veered off-script, suggesting the two nations had "spent a lot of time killing each other" but would now engage in "hugging, holding hands," and economically benefiting from the U.S. This unusual commentary prompted nervous laughter from Kagame and a stern look from Tshisekedi, amplifying criticisms on social media. Critics highlighted Trump's failure to prepare, questioning his claims of successfully negotiating peace in the region. The backlash revived skepticism about his self-proclaimed accomplishments in international diplomacy.