Trump Met Liberia's President And Said He Spoke "Beautiful English", Even Though It’s Liberia's Official Language
Trump's latest comment has drawn considerable criticism online for being "tone-deaf" and"embarrassing."
During a White House dinner with West African leaders, U.S. President Donald Trump praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai for speaking “beautiful” English, which drew criticism from around the world.
Liberia was founded in the early 19th century by freed slaves from the US, and English has been its official language since its independence in 1847.
During the meeting on Wednesday, July 9, Trump asked Boakai, “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated? Liberia?”
Boakai then replied that he was educated in Liberia.
Trump then continued, expressing surprise at Boakai’s English fluency and stating, “It’s a beautiful language. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”
Trump’s remark drew criticism online, with people calling Trump’s question “tone-deaf” and “embarrassing.”
People saw Trump’s comments as racist, ignorant and reinforcing stereotypes that Africans are uneducated or do not speak English well, despite Liberia’s history and official language.
“Where did you learn to speak beautiful English?” Overt racism from President Trump to Liberian President Boakai. Who’s going to tell Trump of the historical connection between Liberia & the US? Erasing Black history has produced an obtusely illiterate racist White President☕️ pic.twitter.com/kyKTDyv6qQ
— Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu (@SholaMos1) July 9, 2025
Donald Trump just asked the President of Liberia where he learned to speak English so well.
— Nazanin Nour (@NazaninNour) July 9, 2025
English is Liberia’s official language, and the country was founded by freed American slaves. pic.twitter.com/TWvu7hsFGq
The White House has attempted to defend Trump, with spokesperson Anna Kelly describing his comments as “a heartfelt compliment”.
Trump used a translator to translate an Indian reporter's English into English during a meeting with India’s prime minister in February.
In another incident in February, during a joint press conference with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump dismissed a question in English from Afghan journalist Nazira Karimi, saying he couldn’t “understand a word she is saying”.
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Cherry Mohamed
Cherry Mohamed
