During a White House meeting with five African leaders, U.S. President Donald Trump praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai for his “beautiful English.” He asked Boakai, “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?”—a question that drew backlash across Africa, as English is Liberia’s official language and Boakai was educated in his own country.
Liberia, founded in 1822 by the American Colonization Society as a resettlement colony for freed American slaves, has had English as its official language since independence in 1847. Trump’s remark, seen by many as patronizing, ignited criticism over his repeated lack of cultural awareness and historic insensitivity toward Africa.
Archie Tamel Harris, a Liberian youth advocate, said, “I felt insulted. We are an English-speaking country. The West still sees Africans as uneducated.” A Liberian diplomat described the comment as “condescending.”
South African politician Veronica Mente asked why Boakai didn’t walk out in protest. Meanwhile, the White House defended Trump, claiming the remark was a “heartfelt compliment.” Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said Trump had done more for Africa than President Biden.
Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti downplayed the controversy, saying Boakai wasn’t offended. She explained that Trump likely recognized the American influence on Liberian English.
This isn’t the first time Trump has commented on foreign leaders’ English. He once complimented German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on his language skills, and in 2015, Trump declared that the U.S. should be “a country where we speak English.” Earlier this year, he signed an executive order making English the official language of the U.S.
Trump has a history of controversial remarks about Africa, including referring to African nations as “shithole countries” in 2018 and spreading disinformation about South Africa. However, at Wednesday’s meeting, Trump shifted tone, praising the leaders of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal for their countries’ resources and people. In return, the leaders welcomed Trump’s attention and investment proposals.
Boakai even echoed Trump’s famous slogan, saying Liberia “believes in the policy of making America great again.”
