In a top-level White House conference with African leaders on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump complimented Liberian President Joseph Boakai on his English, apparently unaware that English is the official language of Liberia.
Following Boakai’s address at the conference, Trump reacted in open admiration, “Such good English, such beautiful… Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated?”
President Boakai smiled and answered, “In Liberia.”
To that, Trump added, “That’s very interesting, that’s beautiful English. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”
Trump to the President of Liberia: “Such good English. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?”
English is the official language of Liberia… pic.twitter.com/Q4nbmINHTr
— The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) July 9, 2025
The exchange immediately went viral and drew intense online criticism, with many accusing Trump of being tone-deaf and uninformed. Liberia made English its official language when it founded itself as a colony in 1822. Abolitionists and slave owners initially founded Liberia as a colony for emancipated Black Americans, questioning whether freed slaves could integrate into American society.
Boakai Thanks Trump, Emphasizes US-Liberia Ties
President Boakai had begun his comments by thanking Trump and America, stating, “Liberia is a longtime friend of the United States, and we believe in your policy of making America great again. We just want to thank you so much for this opportunity.”
Trump positioned the summit—with the presidents of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal—as a shift in the US approach to Africa, moving away from traditional foreign aid toward trade and partnership-oriented programs. Some African leaders spoke through translators, but Boakai addressed the session in perfect English.
White House Response
As criticism mounted online, White House press secretary Anna Kelly came to the defense of Trump’s remarks, describing them as “a sincere compliment” offered during “a historic gathering to deepen US-Africa relations.”
Trump also announced at the gathering that he would like to visit Africa someday, indicating a wish to increase the level of U.S. engagement with the continent, particularly in response to China’s growing influence in African economies.
Even as the meeting reflected diplomatic intentions, Trump’s comment did inadvertently overshadow policy matters, recalling his lack of knowledge of international affairs and tact abroad.
