During a White House lunch with African leaders on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump drew attention for complimenting Liberian President Joseph Boakai on his English-speaking skills, despite English being Liberia’s official language. After Boakai gave brief remarks, Trump responded with visible admiration, asking, “Thank you, and such good English… Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated?”
Boakai, who studied in Liberia and, like most Liberians, speaks English as a first language, replied softly, appearing slightly uncomfortable. Facing away from the media, his reaction wasn’t clearly visible, but his low-toned reply suggested he was caught off guard.
Trump, seated among several French-speaking West African leaders, continued by praising Boakai further. “It’s beautiful English. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well,” he added.
Liberia’s strong historical ties with the United States go back to the 1820s, when freed American slaves were resettled there under the American Colonization Society. These settlers later declared the country independent in 1847. Though the nation is home to many indigenous languages and dialects, English remains the dominant and official language. President Boakai, besides English, is also literate in Mende and Kissi.
The exchange quickly drew attention, with many noting the irony in Trump’s question, given Liberia’s deep linguistic and political roots in American history.
