U.S. President Donald Trump sparked backlash following remarks he made about Liberian President Joseph Boakai’s command of the English language during a diplomatic meeting at the White House.
Trump hosted the presidents of five West African nations—Senegal, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Liberia—on Wednesday. While four of the countries have French, Portuguese, or Arabic as their official languages, Liberia stands out as the only English-speaking nation, a result of its 19th-century founding by freed African Americans.
After his counterparts delivered remarks in their native languages, President Boakai addressed Trump in fluent English.
“Liberia is a longtime friend of the United States and we believe in your policy of making America great again,” Boakai said. “We want to work with the United States on peace and security in the region, and we just want to thank you so much for this opportunity.”
Trump appeared taken aback by Boakai’s eloquence. “Thank you, and such good English. It’s beautiful. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?” he asked. “Were you educated? Where? In Liberia?”
Boakai responded politely, “Yes, sir,” prompting Trump to continue, “That’s very interesting. Beautiful English too. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”
Trump’s comments quickly drew criticism from diplomats, lawmakers, and commentators, who accused him of ignorance and condescension.
A Liberian diplomat who spoke to CNN on condition of anonymity described the exchange as “a bit condescending.” U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) called the remark “peak ignorance,” adding in a post on X (formerly Twitter), “Trump never misses an opportunity to be racist and wrong. I’m pretty sure being blatantly offensive is not how you conduct diplomacy.”
Commentator Brian Krassenstein wrote: “Trump just praised the leader of Liberia for his English. ‘Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?’ FACT: English is the official language of Liberia. NATIONAL EMBARRASSMENT.”
Another X user, ‘Trump Lie Tracker,’ echoed this sentiment: “Trump patronizingly asks the President of Liberia how he learned to speak English so beautifully. Trump, of course, has no idea that English is the official language of Liberia.”
User ‘Anonymous’ added: “Trump to Liberian President: Such beautiful English, where did you learn to speak English? English is the official language of Liberia. This is embarrassing.”
The Liberian President’s Reaction
Liberia was established in 1822 by the American Colonization Society as a resettlement destination for freed African Americans. It declared independence in 1847 and became Africa’s first republic founded and led by people of African American descent. Known as Americo-Liberians, these settlers introduced American-style institutions, culture, and language.
Today, English remains Liberia’s official language, used in government, education, media, and legal affairs. While the country is home to over 20 indigenous languages, English remains the dominant medium in formal and public communication.
