US EditionTrump asks Liberian president where he learned English, his country's official language
UNITED STATES, JUL 9 – Trump's surprise at Liberian President Boakai's English sparked debate amid discussions on shifting U.S.-Africa relations from aid to trade, with Liberia receiving 2.6% of its GNI from U.S. aid.
- During a White House gathering with African dignitaries, US President Donald Trump complimented Liberian leader Joseph Boakai on his command of the English language, prompting controversy given that English is Liberia's official language.
- The comment came after Trump expressed surprise at Boakai's fluency in English, asking him where he had acquired such impressive language skills, which many found puzzling given that English is the official language of Liberia.
- Boakai laughed when asked where he had learned English, replying that it was in Liberia, while Trump praised the nations present for their valuable natural resources and the warmth of their citizens.
- Trump pledged to shift focus from providing aid to promoting trade with Liberia and other African countries, and mentioned that he hopes to visit Africa in the future, although the timing is still uncertain.
- Liberian officials clarified Boakai took no offense but many Liberians viewed the remark as patronizing due to Liberia's historical and linguistic ties to the US.
302 Articles
302 Articles
Trump Praises Liberian Leader’s English, Faces Backlash
During a White House meeting with several African leaders, former President Donald Trump drew criticism after praising Liberian President Joseph Boakai for speaking “such good English.” Trump asked Boakai, “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?” and seemed surprised to learn that Boakai was educated in Liberia, where English is the official language. “I have people at this table can’t speak nearly as well,” Trump added. Critics quickly de…
Trump’s comment on Liberian President’s English triggers Africans online
For many Africans, Trump’s comment wasn’t just a gaffe, it was a painful echo of colonial-era stereotypesOriginally published on Global VoicesPresident Donald Trump greets President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia in the Oval Office, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, before a multilateral luncheon with African leaders. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok). Image by The White House on Wikimedia Commons (Public domain). A seemingly offhand remark b…
President Oveta Glover's (Columbia SC Branch, NAACP) Statement on President Trump’s Disrespectful Comment to the President of Liberia - The MinorityEye
It is with deep disappointment and disgust that we acknowledge the recent exchange between former President Donald Trump and Liberian President Joseph Boakai
Trump asks how Liberian leaders learned to speak English — It’s their language
President Donald Trump recently hosted a meeting at the White House with five African leaders, including Liberian President Joseph Boakai. While the gathering focused on building diplomatic ties and exploring economic partnerships, it was a comment made by Trump that quickly gained attention online. During the discussion, Trump turned to President Boakai and said, “Such … Continued
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