US President Donald Trump praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai for his strong grasp of the English language on Wednesday. But the African leader was educated in Liberia, where English is the official language.
During a meeting with five African leaders at the White House, President Trump reportedly asked President Boakai, “Such good English, it’s beautiful. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?” The question came as a surprise to many, including President Boakai himself, who clarified that he was educated in Liberia where English is the official language.
While some present interpreted the remark as a compliment, others, especially within Liberia, felt it revealed deeper misconceptions about Africa. “For him to ask that question, I don’t see it as a compliment,” a Liberian diplomat told CNN on condition of anonymity. “It was a bit condescending to an African president who’s from an English-speaking nation.”
The comment has reignited conversations around how the West perceives African leadership and education. Prominent South African politician Veronica Mente weighed in on social media, asking why Boakai did not challenge the remark outright.
Nonetheless, the Trump administration was quick to defend the statement. White House officials described it as “heartfelt,” insisting it reflected genuine admiration rather than bias. Massad Boulos, senior advisor for Africa in the Trump administration, noted that “Africa has never had such a friend in the White House.”
Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, offered a more diplomatic take, stating that President Boakai took no offense and understood the comment as a recognition of Liberia’s unique historical ties to America — including the shared linguistic roots that date back to the country’s founding by freed American slaves in 1822.
“It was just recognizing a familiar English version,” she said.
However, critics point out that this incident is not isolated. President Trump has faced backlash in the past for controversial comments about African nations. From his infamous reference to “shithole countries” to unfounded remarks about land rights in South Africa, his rhetoric has often attracted scrutiny.
Still, during Wednesday’s meeting with leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal, Trump adopted a more complimentary tone, describing the countries as vibrant and rich in natural resources. President Boakai himself expressed support for Trump’s policies, stating that Liberia “believes in the policy of making America great again.”
Despite official efforts to smooth tensions, many young Liberians voiced dissatisfaction. “I felt insulted,” said Archie Tamel Harris, a youth advocate. “Our country is an English-speaking country. That should be common knowledge.”
Source: CNN
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