U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments praising Liberian President Joseph Boakai’s English have stirred a mix of confusion and criticism in Liberia, where English has been the official language since the 1800s.
During a White House meeting on Wednesday with President Boakai and four other West African leaders, Trump expressed surprise at Boakai’s fluency, saying, “Such good English.
Such beautiful English.” He then asked the Liberian leader, “Where were you educated? Where? In Liberia?”
While Boakai responded politely, many Liberians found the exchange condescending, questioning why Trump appeared unaware of their country’s long-standing use of English.
The Liberian government later stated it was not offended by the remarks, but civil society groups and some citizens viewed them as tone-deaf and disrespectful.
The White House has not clarified whether Trump was aware that English is Liberia’s official language. However, Massad Boulos, Trump’s senior adviser for Africa, defended the remarks, stating the president was offering a genuine compliment and that the meeting was well-received by all attendees.
The meeting took place amid a broader shift in U.S. policy toward West Africa, focusing more on trade partnerships than traditional aid.
