Trump Praises Liberian President’s ‘Beautiful English’—Unaware English Is Liberia’s Official Tongue
At a White House lunch on July 9, President Trump complimented Liberian President Joseph Boakai on his command of English, asking him, “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?” Boakai, smiling, replied that he learned it “in Liberia,” since English is the country’s official language. Trump responded: “That’s very interesting… I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”
Why It Raised Eyebrows
- The remark came across as tone-deaf and condescending, as many observers pointed out—English has been Liberia’s official language since its founding in the 19th century.
- Critics described the comment as reflecting cultural ignorance or even subtle racial bias, noting a trend of similar remarks from Trump.
Diverse Reactions
- Some Liberians and African commentators were offended, saying the comment implied ignorance of Africa’s linguistic heritage. One Liberian youth advocate told CNN, “Our country is an English-speaking country… I feel… people in the West still see Africans… not educated.”
- Liberia’s foreign minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, dismissed the criticism, saying Boakai wasn’t offended. She suggested Trump’s intent might have related to noticing the American-like accent in Boakai’s speech.
Larger Context
- This incident marks the latest in a pattern of Trump making surprising comments about non-American leaders’ language skills—with previous examples including reporters and diplomats from India and Germany.
- It took place at a summit with leaders from Senegal, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Liberia—focused on U.S.–Africa economic partnerships and contrasting with China’s influence on the continent right now.
