It started with what was probably considered a compliment by US President Donald Trump. However, he did praise Liberian President Joseph Boakai for using “such good English.” The room cooled more quickly than a broken White House thermostat in a nation where English is literally the official language.
During the meeting with African leaders at the White House on Wednesday, the embarrassing exchange was caught on camera for the world (and the internet) to look at with an air of collective secondhand embarrassment.
“Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?” Boakai, who had just finished a thoughtfully developed speech promoting U.S. investment in Liberia and collaborative security efforts in West Africa, was questioned by Donald Trump.
Boakai’s response? A calm, “Yes, sir,” when Trump asked if he had been educated in Liberia.
“Well, that’s very interesting,” Trump continued. “It’s beautiful English, I have people at this table, can’t speak nearly as well.”
Cue the silence. And then, cue the backlash.
Liberia’s American Ties Make Donald Trump’s Gaffe Worse
Despite the awkward awe that surrounded Donald Trump’s comment, those who opposed him were quick to point out what they said was racism at worst and ignorance at best. Users on X (formerly Twitter) weren’t holding back, and labeled the comment “racist and wrong,” while Ed Mazza of HuffPost called it “some unusual praise.”
To be clear, English is the official language of Liberia, rather than only one of the official languages. Freed African Americans founded the nation at the very start of the 1800s. The capital of Liberia, Monrovia, is named after U.S. President James Monroe due to many Liberians are actually descended from former American slaves.
The American framework acts as a close model for its national institutions, educational systems, and government.
Trump to the President of Liberia: “Such good English. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?”
English is the official language of Liberia… pic.twitter.com/Q4nbmINHTr
— The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) July 9, 2025
Boakai, who holds a degree from the University of Liberia, is a seasoned statesman who speaks English well. He has held a number of high-profile positions, including World Bank consultant, Minister of Agriculture, and now President, after defeating former football player George Weah in the 2023 elections.
So yes, Boakai does speak English, Mr. Trump. In fact, very good English. Like the bulk of Liberians with basic schooling.
Social Media Reacts to The Diplomatic Disaster
The err by Donald Trump is the most recent in an ongoing series of situations where foreign dignitaries have been acting disrespectfully. Nevertheless, given Liberia’s long relationship with the United States, this one sure struck a nerve.
“We have a President who walks around calling his predecessor ‘stupid’ or ‘dumb’ every chance he gets. Yet, this is the absolute best he has to offer on the global stage,” one X user mentioned. “Absolutely the dumbest man,” another observed.
And that silence that went viral? It was telling, not only awkward.
Completely embarrassing moment: uneducated, inarticulate, incoherent, racist, Trump said to Liberia’s President “You speak such beautiful English, where did you learn to speak so beautifully”.
Dummy humiliated himself, ENGLISH is the NATIONAL LANGUAGE OF LIBERIA. #DemUnited pic.twitter.com/3N1ls1nU1U
— Charm | DEMOCRATS deliver & NO CHAOS! 🇯🇲 💙🌊 (@CharmRobinson3) July 9, 2025
African leaders have been complaining for years about their Western counterparts’ smugness.
Boakai, who is well-known for his diplomatic skills and relaxed manner, answered with a respectful silence that most likely earned far more than a foolish comment about basic ability to speak the language.
Even though Boakai’s office is yet to issue an official statement, it is fair to believe that the head of state is far more concerned with bringing substantial funds as opposed to humiliating his own feelings.
