Is Donald Trump's Irish Proverb Part Of A Nigerian Poem?

Donald Trump quoted what he said was his favorite "Irish proverb" in order to stress the significance of the relationship between the United States and Ireland Thursday, during his first meeting with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny on the eve of St. Patrick's day.

The president said "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.' We know that, politically speaking."

People on social media reacted to his proverb and some people discovered that it was not really an Irish proverb but lines from a poem called "Remember to forget" written by Nigerian poet Albashir Adam Alhassan. However, the lines which Trump quoted can be found on many websites such as DecentQuotes.com, Pinterest boards and Imgur galleries. These websites also categorize it as an Irish proverb. Moreover, when searched on Google, these lines are listed under the heading "Irish proverbs and blessings on St. Patrick's Day."

Trump called the Irish prime minister his "new friend" and during the event said that the relationship between the two countries will get better. Trump also promised to be "an ever-faithful partner and an always loyal friend." Referring to Trump calling him "new friend," Kenny jokingly said: "They say the Irish have the capacity to change everything. I just saw the president of the United States read from his script. ... entirely."

Kenny also gave Trump a bowl of shamrocks, which is also known as Ireland's famous greens, as a gift for St. Patrick's Day.

After the meeting, the Irish prime minister requested Trump to solve the problem of 50,000 undocumented Irish people who reside in the United States without authorization, BBC reported.

"This is what I said to your predecessor on a number of occasions — we would like this to be sorted," he told the president during their lunch.

"It would remove a burden off so many people that they can stand out in the light and say: "Now I am free to contribute to America, as I know I can,'" Kenny added.