At a White House gathering on Wednesday, President Donald Trump received warm praise from several African leaders during a diplomatic meeting.
Among them was Liberian President Joseph Boakai, who spoke in fluent English and hailed Trump’s “Make America Great Again” policy. Boakai described Liberia as a longstanding ally of the United States and appealed for greater U.S. investment in his country.
Trump appeared struck by Boakai’s eloquence and questioned him on his language skills. “Such good English,” Trump remarked. “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?”
When Boakai replied, “Yes sir, in Liberia,” Trump responded with visible surprise, noting, “That’s very interesting. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.” The exchange drew chuckles from the room but also highlighted a gap in understanding of Liberia’s historical ties to the United States.
Founded in 1822 as a colony for freed Black Americans, Liberia adopted English as its official language. The country was established by white Americans who sought to resettle formerly enslaved people, sparking a unique and enduring bond between the two nations.
Trump’s off-the-cuff comments drew mixed reactions online, with some calling the exchange light-hearted and others criticising it as dismissive.
The moment underscored both the complexities of U.S.–Africa relations and the legacy of Liberia’s founding as a nation rooted in American history.