Trump’s comments about Boakai’s English sparked mixed reactions.
During a gathering at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump complimented Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai on his “beautiful” English, which led to some confusion in the English-speaking African nation, with many perceiving the remarks as condescending.
“Such good English,” Trump remarked to Boakai, seemingly taken aback. “Such beautiful English.”
Despite English being Liberia’s official language since the 1800s, Trump inquired about the origins of Boakai’s “so beautifully” spoken English, persistently asking, “Where were you educated? Where? In Liberia?” as Boakai responded quietly.
This interaction occurred on Wednesday during a meeting at the White House that included Trump and five West African leaders, coinciding with a shift in U.S. foreign policy from aid to trade.
While Boakai’s administration stated that it was not offended by Trump’s comments, other groups in Liberia viewed the remarks as insulting.
The White House did not clarify whether Trump recognized that English is Liberia’s official language.
Massad Boulos, the president’s senior adviser for Africa, emphasized that Trump “actually complimented the language skills of the Liberian president” and mentioned that all participants at the meeting were “deeply appreciative” of the president’s time and effort.
