President Donald Trump has drawn criticism after praising Liberian President Joseph Boakai for speaking “such good English” during a meeting with West African leaders... seemingly unaware that English is Liberia’s official language.
During a White House gathering on Wednesday (July 9) with leaders from Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau, Trump reacted with visible surprise after Boakai finished his remarks in clear English.
“Such good English,” Trump told Boakai with a broad smile, before asking, “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated?”
Boakai, a seasoned politician and university graduate who speaks English as his first language, appeared briefly taken aback before replying that he had been educated in Liberia, Sky News and The US Sun reported.
Trump, however, continued: “It’s beautiful English. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”
Liberia’s Deep Ties to America and English
The moment, captured in front of dignitaries and cameras, quickly spread across social media, with many viewers calling the comment patronizing and indicative of Trump’s lack of cultural awareness.
Liberia’s connection to America is well-documented:
- In the early 1800s, the American Colonisation Society, backed by members of the US Congress and southern slaveholders, began sending freed Black Americans to settle on the West African coast.
- Liberia declared independence in 1847, modeling its government on the US and establishing English as the official language of law, commerce, and education.
- To this day, English remains the primary medium of communication in Liberia, with politicians, including Boakai, delivering speeches, conducting interviews, and writing policy documents in English.
Boakai, who is multilingual, also reads and writes in Mendi and Kissi and can navigate several other Liberian languages.
Social Media Reacts: “Patronising” and “Ignorant”
The exchange led to widespread discussion online, with some West Africans describing Trump’s remark as condescending given Liberia’s well-known ties to the United States.
Others described the moment as an awkward attempt at flattery gone wrong.
One commented: "Trump complimenting people on how they speak has been part of his schtick forever. He was just trying to be gracious. Should he have known that English is the official language of Liberia? Yes. That said, I give credit to Boakai for being classy with the polite laugh."
Others joked: "Of course, Trump was genuinely impressed by Joseph Boakai's English. He hardly ever meets people with a large vocabulary," and: "I would bet a lot of real money that Boakai speaks better English than Trump."
“From Aid to Trade”: Trump’s Message to African Leaders
During the meeting, Trump assured the leaders that the United States intended to pivot its relationship with their nations from aid to trade.
“These are all very vibrant places with very valuable land, great minerals, and great oil deposits, and wonderful people,” Trump said, describing the potential of Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau.
When asked by a reporter if he would visit Africa, Trump replied: “At some point, I would like to go to Africa,” adding that he would “have to see what the schedule looks like.”
His predecessor, President Joe Biden, had promised to visit Africa in 2023, fulfilling the commitment by traveling to Angola in December 2024, just weeks before leaving office.
Liberia’s President Keeps Focus Amid Viral Moment
Despite the viral nature of the moment, President Boakai did not publicly address the awkwardness, maintaining focus on discussions around trade, investment, and diplomatic cooperation between the United States and Liberia.
Liberia’s foundation and its continued use of English are deeply tied to American history, making the moment particularly jarring for many observers. As the United States looks to strengthen its trade ties with Africa, such diplomatic interactions are under increased scrutiny for cultural awareness and respect.
While Trump’s comment may have been intended as a compliment, it highlights the need for better understanding of historical and cultural contexts in foreign relations, particularly with nations that share significant historical ties with the United States.