At a July 9 White House meeting with African leaders, President Donald Trump — not exactly known for his command of the English language — commended Liberian President Joseph Boakai on how well he speaks English, seemingly unaware English is Liberia’s official language.
In the aftermath of the uncomfortable exchange, Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat, waded into the fray, writing on social media, “Trump never misses an opportunity to be racist and wrong, and every day he finds a new way to be embarrassing. Asking the President of Liberia where he learned English when it’s literally the official language is peak ignorance. I’m pretty sure being blatantly offensive is not how you go about conducting diplomacy.”
Boakai said at the meeting, “Liberia is a longtime friend of the United States, and we believe in your policy of making America great again. We just want to thank you so much for this opportunity.” To which Trump responded, “Such good English. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? In Liberia?” Boakai said, “Yes, sir.” Trump added, “That’s very interesting. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”
White Americans founded Liberia in 1822 as a colony for freed Black slaves, and English is the official language. Several indigenous languages are spoken in the country as well.
Social media face-palmed
The embarrassing interaction with racist undertones was noted on social media. One comment said, “Yes, Donald, Liberia speaks English — because America literally founded it in the 1800s as a homeland for freed Black people.”
The comment added, “Its capital is Monrovia, named after U.S. President James Monroe. Praising a Liberian leader for speaking English is like visiting Québec and asking, ‘Wow, where’d you learn French?’ It’s not just ignorant — it’s historically tone-deaf, neo-colonial, and deeply embarrassing.”
Another comment said, “I’m begging this man to do the smallest amount of homework before he has important meetings.” And finally, “So you are no longer talking like your fellow African natives then,” another added.
Trump seemed unprepared
Referring to the controversy, former Obama aide and director for Africa at the National Security Council told The New York Times that Trump, “did not seem to be aware of the historical relationship between their countries. What was made publicly available gave me the impression there was very little preparation for this meeting.”
Trump officials struck a more conciliatory tone. “I was in the meeting, and everyone was deeply appreciative of the president’s time and effort. The continent of Africa has never had such a friend in the White House as they do in President Trump,” the official said.
Published: Jul 10, 2025 12:44 pm