U.S. President Donald Trump sparked amusement and confusion on Wednesday after praising Liberian President Joseph Boakai’s command of English, apparently unaware that English is Liberia’s official language.
The incident occurred during a lunch meeting at the White House with leaders from several African nations, including Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal, and Liberia. President Boakai, addressing the gathering in fluent English, expressed gratitude to the U.S. and voiced support for Trump’s “Make America Great Again” policy while urging greater U.S. investment in Liberia.
“Such good English, such beautiful…” Trump remarked after Boakai’s speech. “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated?”
Liberian President Joseph Boakai. Photo/ Courtesy
Boakai responded with a chuckle, “Yes, sir,” confirming he was educated in Liberia.
“That’s very interesting. That’s beautiful English,” Trump replied. “I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”
Trump’s comments drew attention online, given Liberia’s historical ties to the United States. The West African nation was founded in 1822 by formerly enslaved and free-born African Americans under the American Colonization Society. Liberia declared independence in 1847 and has since used English as its official language, though many Indigenous languages are also spoken.
President Boakai, who grew up in rural Liberia, reportedly walked over 300 miles twice to the capital, Monrovia, in pursuit of education. He eventually attended the prestigious College of West Africa and later held senior roles in both government and business.
During the White House meeting, Trump announced a policy shift from aid to trade in U.S.-Africa relations, arguing that economic partnerships are more sustainable than traditional assistance models.
“We’re shifting from aid to trade,” he told the leaders. “There’s great economic potential in Africa, like few other places.”
In response, African heads of state applauded Trump’s approach, with Gabon’s President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema urging the U.S. to invest in Africa’s abundant natural resources: “We are not poor countries. We are rich in raw materials. But we need partners.”
While the meeting focused on economic cooperation, Trump’s awkward comment served as a reminder of the delicate nature of diplomacy—and the importance of cultural awareness.
Written By Rodney Mbua
