During a meeting with African leaders at the White House on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump drew attention after praising Liberian President Joseph Boakai for his command of the English language—seemingly unaware that English is the official language of Liberia.
“You speak such good English, it’s beautiful. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?” Trump asked President Boakai in front of other dignitaries. Boakai, who was educated in Liberia, explained that he studied in his home country.
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The comment was met with mixed reactions, as observers noted the historical context of Liberia, which was founded by freed African-American slaves in the 19th century, with English adopted as its official language since its inception.
“That’s very interesting,” Trump responded. “I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”
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Liberia, founded in 1822 by the American Colonization Society, declared independence in 1847 and has maintained English as its official language ever since. While several indigenous languages are spoken across the country, English remains the primary language of education, governance, and national discourse.
Trump’s remarks quickly drew attention on social media, with critics pointing out the diplomatic misstep, while supporters viewed it as a genuine—if uninformed—compliment. The incident adds to a long list of unfiltered comments made by Trump during diplomatic engagements, often sparking controversy and debate over cultural awareness in international relations.
Despite the awkward moment, the meeting continued with discussions on trade, security, and U.S.-Africa relations. President Boakai has not publicly commented on the exchange.
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