Watch: Donald Trump's awkward attempt at pronouncing Tua Tagovailoa's name goes viral for all the wrong reasons
President Donald Trump stumbled publicly while trying to pronounce Tua Tagovailoa's last name during a White House event. The Miami Dolphins quarterback was named among a group of elite athletes tapped to serve on Trump's newly reinstated Presidential Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition—a nostalgic nod to the original fitness test Baby Boomers and Gen Xers recall from their school days.
Donald Trump's butchered attempt at Tua Tagovailoa's name
During a ceremonial announcement that featured several sports stars, including Harrison Butker and Saquon Barkley, Donald Trump spotlighted Tagovailoa but tripped over his Samoan surname. 'Tua... Tag-o-valiah, the quarterback who has really been fantastic,' Trump said before pivoting: 'When he's not injured, he's great. He's got to stay healthy. But he's a great guy.'
The president's verbal slip was hardly surprising.
Even seasoned sports commentators have struggled with the quarterback's name, which is correctly pronounced 'Tung-oh-vai-loa.' Still, the moment went viral, not because of malice but because of its relatability—name pronunciations can be a minefield, especially on a national stage.
To Trump's credit, he quickly redirected focus to Tagovailoa's resilience and performance, indirectly referencing the quarterback's injury struggles.
Tua's battle with concussions, including a disturbing hit in 2024 that triggered a fencing response, raised questions about his long-term future. Despite the scare, he made a triumphant return in October against the Cardinals, proving once again why he remains a vital force under center for Miami.
Tua Tagovailoa's role in the Presidential Fitness Council highlights his growing public influence
Trump's praise may have been clumsy, but it was underscored by a deeper connection. Tua has appeared alongside Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner in light-hearted moments shared on social media.
One post from Ivanka in March captured her son tossing a football with Tagovailoa and teammate Braxton Berrios, followed by a candid shot of the quarterback playing chess with the young boy. Those interactions seem to have formed a friendly bridge between the athlete and Trump's inner circle.
Interestingly, Tua's wife, Annah, also drew headlines last year for her vocal support of Trump during his campaign—a detail that only deepens the quarterback's ties to the president.
While the name slip may have caused a stir, it also served as a moment of levity amid a broader initiative aimed at promoting youth fitness—one where Tagovailoa now stands as a symbol of perseverance and elite athleticism, mispronunciation and all.
FAQs:
1. What did Donald Trump mispronounce during the White House event?
Donald Trump mispronounced Tua Tagovailoa's last name while announcing his role in the Presidential Fitness Council.
2. What is the connection between Tua Tagovailoa and the Trump family?
Tua has spent time with Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, and his wife Annah publicly endorsed Donald Trump.
3. How to pronounce Tua Tagovailoa's full name?
First name
: TOO uh ning uh mah noo oh leh po luh
Last name
: Tung o vigh LOH uh
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