Politics

Trump Asks Liberian President Where He Learned English, Despite It Being the Country’s Official Language

Trump's comment to Liberia’s president about his English sparks backlash, highlighting misperceptions about Africa’s language and history.
By 
July 10, 2025
1 mins read
President Trump and Liberian President

During a recent White House meeting, President Donald Trump once again made headlines, not a new occurrence, but this time for a comment that left many Liberians and Africans around the world scratching their heads.

While speaking with Liberian President Joseph Boakai, Trump complimented the West African leader on his command of the English language, saying, “Such good English, such beautiful English. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated? In Liberia? Well, that’s very interesting.”

Though the comment may have been intended as a compliment, it quickly drew backlash online. That’s because English has been Liberia’s official language since the country’s founding in 1847, and Boakai, like most of the nation’s leaders, was educated there.

Liberia’s ties to the U.S. are historically unique; the country was founded by freed African Americans in the 19th century, and English has always been the national language. That context is essential for any leader engaging in diplomacy with the nation.

For many Liberians, the moment felt like yet another example of how Africa is often misunderstood on the global stage, especially by powerful Western figures. Social media was quick to call out the former president’s comment as ignorant and patronizing, particularly given Trump’s history of controversial remarks about African nations.

Despite the online reaction, Liberia’s foreign minister was quick to downplay the exchange, saying President Boakai took no offense and remained focused on strengthening Liberia’s relationship with the U.S.

“Many people do not understand the linguistic borders or linguistic demography of the African continent,” the minister added.

The exchange underscored a deeper issue: the need for more informed and respectful engagement with African leaders and countries.

Photo Credit: X/WhiteHouse