Donald Trump quotes a Nigerian poem by mistake and Twitter Users React

On Thursday, March 16, 2017, President Donald Trump welcomed the Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny to the White House.

In his address, Trump quoted his favourite proverb which he said was Irish. "As we stand together with our Irish friends, I’m reminded of an Irish proverb – and this is a good one, this is one I like, I’ve heard it for many, many years and I love it. Always remember to forget the friends that proved untrue, but never forget to remember those that have stuck by you" said President Trump.


The problem with this proverb that it isn't Irish. People on Twitter immediately picked on the wrong attribution.

You can read the full poem below;

Always remember to forget,

The things that make you sad,

But never forget to remember,

The things that make you glad.

Always remember to forget,

The friends that proved untrue,

But never forget to remember,

Those that have stuck to you.

Always remember to forget,

The trouble that passed away,

But never forget to remember,

The blessings that come each day.

Always remember to do your duty,

And some kindness day by day,

But never forget to live a useful and happy life,

That is the only way.

Albashir Adam Alhassan was born in Kano in the mid 80s but is from Niger state. He attended the Aminu Kano Commercial College, Kano and Bayero University Kano.

The line from Albashir Adam Alhassan's poem has been erroneously said to be an Irish proverb on the Internet.