Trump commends leader of African nation for their proficiency in English.
In a recent encounter at the White House, President Donald Trump commended Liberian President Joseph Boakai for his articulate command of the English language. This praise was delivered during a meeting that included leaders from several African nations, but it came with an unintended oversight; English is the official language of Liberia.
During the discussion, which took place on July 9, 2025, Trump expressed admiration for Boakai’s English skills, stating that they were “beautiful.” Trump probed further, asking Boakai about his educational background and where he had honed his language skills. Boakai confirmed that he was educated in Liberia, a fact that Trump regarded as “very interesting,” reiterating his compliments about Boakai’s fluency in English.
The remarks elicited a chuckle from Boakai, indicating a degree of awkwardness stemming from Trump’s apparent lack of awareness regarding Liberia’s linguistic background. A fact sheet from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) highlights that approximately 20% of the Liberian population speaks English, while over two dozen indigenous languages are also present in this predominantly Christian nation, which has historical ties to freed American slaves from the 19th century.
Joseph Boakai, who is 80 years old, acquired a secondary education at the College of West Africa and later earned his degree from the University of Liberia. Additionally, he attended Kansas State University, further underscoring his academic credentials.
This incident recalls a similar moment from earlier in Trump’s presidency when he complimented French President Emmanuel Macron on his proficiency in French during a February meeting. Trump acknowledged the elegance of the language, despite not understanding the specifics of Macron’s remarks.
On the same day of the meeting with African leaders, Trump noted the natural resources and potential that African nations possess, referring to their “valuable land, great minerals, and great oil deposits.” This dialogue comes in the context of a complex relationship between the U.S. and various African nations, exacerbated by Trump’s previous characterization of certain African countries as “sh–hole countries” during a controversial immigration discussion.
As international relations continue to evolve, such exchanges reflect both the challenges and opportunities in diplomatic communications between leaders and their respective nations.
