“You Speak Such Good English, Where Did You Learn It?” Trump Questions Liberian President

During a high-level meeting with African leaders at the White House, former U.S. President Donald Trump caused an uproar after commenting on Liberian President Joseph Boakai’s English proficiency.Trump, known for his controversial remarks, reportedly asked Boakai, “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?”—a question that has drawn widespread criticism and reignited debates on Western perceptions of Africa.

President Boakai, a seasoned public servant in his seventies, responded with a polite smile but did not engage further.

Social media users and commentators, however, were quick to react, accusing Trump of displaying ignorance about Liberia’s history and the broader linguistic realities of Africa.

Liberia, founded in 1822 by freed African-American slaves with support from the American Colonization Society, has English as its official language.

The country declared independence in 1847 and has since maintained close ties with the United States.

Its capital, Monrovia, is named after former U.S. President James Monroe, and much of its governance and education systems are modeled after American institutions.

Many saw Trump’s remark as patronizing and emblematic of how some Western leaders still misunderstand Africa.

“It may have been a compliment in his mind, but it reflects a deeper issue,” said Dr. Halima Conteh, a West African scholar based in Washington, D.C.

“Why is it surprising that an African head of state speaks fluent English when that is his country’s official language?”

The incident has reminded some of Trump’s previous controversial statements, such as allegedly calling African nations “shithole countries” in 2018—a remark he denied but was confirmed by several attendees.

Critics argue that these repeated blunders reflect a pattern of disrespect that hinders constructive engagement between Africa and the U.S.

In Liberia, reactions ranged from bemusement to frustration. “This is a country built by freed American slaves. Of course, we speak English,” said Rufus Dolo, a political analyst in Monrovia. “What’s shocking is that he didn’t know that.”