US President Donald Trump left African leaders momentarily stunned during a White House meeting after asking Liberian President Joseph Boakai where he learnt to speak “such beautiful English”.
Trump had just wrapped up listening to translated remarks from the presidents of Senegal, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritania — whose official languages are French, Portuguese, and Arabic. But when Boakai spoke in clear English, the US president seemed caught off guard.
“Liberia is a longtime friend of the United States and we believe in your policy of making America great again,” Boakai said, thanking Trump for his leadership and commitment to peace in Africa.
Trump responded with a comment that raised eyebrows:
“Thank you and such good English. It’s beautiful. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Were you educated? Where? In Liberia?”
A polite chuckle followed from Boakai, who replied, “Yes sir.”
“Very interesting. Beautiful English too,” he added. “I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”
What Trump didn’t seem to realise is that English has been Liberia’s official language since 1822 — a legacy of the country’s founding by freed American slaves.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, included discussions on regional security and cooperation. The African leaders praised him for promoting peace deals globally and expressed support for his potential Nobel Peace Prize nomination.
He concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to Africa and hinted at a future visit to the continent.
