A recent White House meeting between US President Donald Trump and Liberian President Joseph Boakai has stirred widespread controversy after Trump’s remarks about Boakai’s English fluency were seen as condescending and ignorant of Liberia’s historical and linguistic ties to the United States.
‘Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?‘
During a gathering with five African leaders on Wednesday, President Trump reportedly turned to President Boakai and said, “Such good English, it’s beautiful. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?” Boakai calmly replied that he was educated in Liberia, prompting Trump to respond, “That’s very interesting. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.” The comment quickly drew criticism who felt the question reflected outdated and offensive assumptions about the continent’s education and linguistic capabilities.
Many Liberians pointed out that English has been Liberia’s official language since its founding by freed American slaves in the 19th century. “I felt insulted,” said Archie Tamel Harris, a youth advocate based in Monrovia. “Liberia is an English-speaking country. That question shows how the West still views Africans as uneducated people living in villages. South African politician Veronica Mente added to the outrage, questioning why President Boakai didn’t walk out of the meeting. “What stops him from standing up and leaving?” she wrote on X.
White House dismisses criticism
The White House downplayed the backlash, calling the remark a well-meaning compliment. Massad Boulos, the senior advisor for Africa in the Trump administration, defended the president, saying the African leaders present appreciated the gesture. “Africa has never had a friend like President Trump,” he claimed. Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly added, “The president’s comment was heartfelt. He has done more for global stability and development in Africa than Joe Biden did in four years.”
Liberia’s official response
Liberian officials chose not to escalate the issue. Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti stated there was “no offense” taken by President Boakai. She noted that many people overlook the American roots of Liberia’s official language and suggested Trump may have simply been struck by Boakai’s accent. Trump has made similar comments in the past. While speaking to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, he once praised Merz’s English and joked about whether it was better than his own German. In 2015, during his presidential campaign, Trump explained the importance of English in the US, eventually signing an executive order earlier this year declaring English the country’s official language.