US Edition
Trump asks Liberian president where he learned English, his country's official language
UNITED STATES, JUL 10 – Trump appeared unaware that English is Liberia’s official language during a summit with West African leaders, amid US aid cuts that could cause 14 million more deaths in developing countries by 2030.
- On Wednesday, President Donald Trump welcomed top officials from several African nations, including Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau, to the White House for a lunch where he commended their countries and leadership.
- The meeting followed Trump's policy to shift from aid to trade, linked to USAID cuts and broader diplomatic tensions with Africa during his first term.
- At a White House lunch, Donald Trump complimented Liberian President Joseph Boakai on his English skills, expressing surprise and asking where he had learned to speak so well, seemingly unaware that English is Liberia’s official language.
- During the meeting, Trump remarked on Boakai’s impressive command of English, noting that some others present struggled with the language, to which Boakai responded with a laugh, saying he learned English in Liberia.
- The comment drew offense from some Liberians and diplomats who viewed it as condescending, though Liberia’s Foreign Minister stated the Liberian president was not offended.
208 Articles
208 Articles
Trump Praises Liberian President Boakai for His English, Liberia’s Official Language
On Wednesday, President Trump met with leaders of five African nations he said were likely to be spared by tariffs: Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal. During a working lunch, Trump praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai for speaking “such good English.” President Donald Trump: “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated? Where? In Liberia?” President Joseph Boakai: “Yes, sir.” President Donald Trum…
Comments on Trump's "good English" about the President of Liberia have generated controversy
In Liberia, English has been an official language since the 19th century. Former slaves from the USA once emigrated to the West African country. Trump's praise of the president for his good English is bad for many.
"For some, the commentary may have an air of condescension, evoking a long-standing Western tendency to express surprise when African leaders show intellectual fluidity" Read
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
