Nationwide — During a recent White House meeting with African leaders, President Donald Trump praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai’s English skills, asking where he learned to speak so well. His comment sparked reactions online, as English is Liberia’s official language.
During a roundtable at the White House with African leaders, former President Donald Trump paused to compliment Liberian President Joseph Boakai’s language skills.
“Such good English,” Trump said, according to NBC News. “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? In Liberia? That’s very interesting.”
“Where were you educated? Where? In Liberia? Well, that’s very interesting. It’s beautiful English,” he added. “I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”
Liberia has used English as its national language since declaring independence in 1847. The country was founded by freed Black Americans in the early 1800s. Its capital, Monrovia, was named after U.S. President James Monroe, who supported the colonization effort.
Liberia’s founding documents accused the U.S. of racism and inequality, stating that these conditions pushed many freed people to leave. The nation modeled its Constitution after the U.S. and remains Africa’s oldest modern republic.
Trump’s comments quickly drew criticism online. Rep. Jasmine Crockett called it “peak ignorance,” while former Rep. Adam Kinzinger labeled it “just ridiculous.”
Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti later said officials took “no offense.” She described the comment as a recognition of Liberia’s American-influenced heritage and reaffirmed the country’s strong ties with the U.S.
The White House called Trump’s words “a heartfelt compliment” during what it described as a historic meeting with African leaders.
Meanwhile, Trump faced similar backlash in 2018 when he reportedly referred to Haiti and African nations as “shithole countries” during a discussion with U.S. lawmakers.
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