William Cummings

USA TODAY

President Trump spoke to a women's empowerment panel Wednesday and praised the "incredible women leaders" in his Cabinet. He also spoke of the contributions of figures such as Abigail Adams, Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony, as Women's History Month comes to a close.

Trump said Adams was "very much a pioneer" in advocating women's rights.

And about Tubman, Trump said, "She was very, very courageous, believe me."

The trouble came when he got to Susan B. Anthony.

"Have you heard of Susan B. Anthony?" Trump asked in what seemed to be a sarcastic tone. Members of the audience chuckled in response.

"I’m shocked that you’ve heard of her," he quipped.

The president went on to say Anthony "dreamed of a much more equal and fair future, an America where women themselves, as she said, 'helped to make laws and elect the lawmakers.'"

If you watch the speech, it seems clear Trump's question about Anthony was an attempt at humor.

Not everyone on Twitter thought it was funny, however.

Many were convinced Trump had actually just learned who Anthony was.

Several commentators were struck by the similarity to his previous comments about Frederick Douglass, which were also the subject of ridicule on social media.

Buzzfeed's David Mack said people need to chill.