Social media users challenge source of Irish proverb shared by Trump

President Trump on Thursday met with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on Friday and shared one of his favorite Irish proverbs, whose source was met with some skepticism on social media.

“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,” Trump said. “Always remember to forget the friends that proved untrue, but never forget to remember those that have stuck by you.”

{mosads}A White House spokeswoman said the proverb was “originally supplied in an email on March 8 by the State Department via [the National Security Council] as building blocks in advance of this event. These building blocks were supplied in the context of the Shamrock Ceremony and were ultimately used in the prepared remarks for the luncheon.”

The spokeswoman also shared a list of books and websites the quote has been shared on.

After Trump’s luncheon, however, many were quick to point out on social media that a poem by Nigerian poet Albashir Adam Alhassan includes a similar stanza.

OK I’ve found trump’s ‘irish’ proverb. pic.twitter.com/ZsWPUvqDDL

— cólz (@colz) March 16, 2017

So the ‘Irish proverb’ that @realDonaldTrump recited earlier on, is actually the work of an Nigerian poet… https://t.co/VStteFwDyY

— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) March 16, 2017

This is not an Irish proverb. It’s a poem by Albashir Adam Alhassan, who is Nigerian. https://t.co/5DYxflz9v5

— Scott Hanselman (@shanselman) March 16, 2017

One of his staff is definitely trolling him now, and it’s brilliant 
Trump: ‘quick, find me an Irish proverb!’
Staffer: ‘Sure Mr President.. https://t.co/cCuOyh1afV

— Vanessa Furey (@VanessaFurey) March 16, 2017 

Trump’s Irish poet, Albashir Adam Alhassan, is Nigerian. Also, a proverb is not a poem. #ArtFunding #IrishProverb #IrishLiterature

— amy (@aharbo) March 16, 2017

Albashir Adam Alhassan wrote the poem Trump quoted as his favorite Irish Proverb! Fyahn Nigerian that he is!
Thanx @colz for finding poem! pic.twitter.com/S3uJ2xtF8D

— Black Madonna (@AnasuyaIam) March 16, 2017