“Where Did You Learn to Speak English?” — Trump Asks Liberian President
US President Donald Trump left some African leaders visibly surprised during a White House meeting after he praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai’s command of English — and asked where he learned to speak it.
Trump hosted the presidents of Senegal, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Liberia on Wednesday, engaging them in discussions on security and diplomacy. After listening to translated remarks from the non-English-speaking leaders, Trump turned to Boakai, who spoke in fluent English.
“Liberia is a longtime friend of the United States and we believe in your policy of making America great again,” Boakai said. “We want to work with the United States in peace and security within the region because we are committed to that and we just want to thank you so much for this opportunity.”
In response, Trump remarked: “Thank you and such good English. It’s beautiful. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?”
He continued, asking: “Were you educated? Where? In Liberia?”
Boakai chuckled politely and replied: “Yes sir.”
“That’s very interesting. Beautiful English too. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well,” Trump added.
Though Boakai did not mention it, English has been Liberia’s official language since 1822 — a legacy of its founding by freed American slaves.
Trump later said he hoped to strengthen ties with Africa and “visit at some point,” while the visiting leaders commended his global peace efforts and voiced support for a Nobel Peace Prize nomination.
