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Trump asks Liberian president where he learned English, his country's official language

UNITED STATES, JUL 9 – Trump praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai's English during a summit despite English being Liberia's official language and recent U.S. aid cuts amounting to $290 million, critics noted.

  • On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed five African leaders and complimented Liberian President Joseph Boakai on his proficiency in English.
  • Trump remarked to Boakai on his impressive command of English, asking how he had come to speak it so well, despite English having been Liberia’s official language since 1822.
  • Liberia was established in the early 19th century as a settlement for freed African Americans, and its official language is English, alongside various native languages spoken within the country.
  • Several Liberians, including youth advocate Archie Tamel Harris and a Liberian diplomat, said Trump's question felt condescending and inappropriate given Liberia's English-speaking status.
  • Liberia's Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti stated the Liberian president was not offended, and the White House described Trump's comment as a heartfelt compliment.
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Trump praises 'good English' of Liberian president, prompting criticism

The African leader was educated in Liberia, where English is the official language.

·Florida, United States
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U.S. President Donald Trump starred in a striking moment this Wednesday in congratulating Liberian President Joseph Boakai for his command of English, even though it is the official language of that African country. The episode took place during a White House summit between Trump and five African leaders, where Boakai was the only one to address the Republican in English. “Thank you, and how good English, how beautiful. Where did you learn to sp…

·Mexico
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Liberian President Joseph Boakai was praised by Donald Trump for his English. In Liberia, English is the official language.

·Stockholm, Sweden
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News.de broke the news in on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
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