Trump praises president of Liberia’s English – it’s his official language

President Donald Trump praised his Liberian counterpart for his “beautiful English”, during a meeting at the White House on Wednesday (9 July) – seemingly, and very awkwardly, totally unaware that it’s Liberia’s official language.

The US president was hosting a lunch for African leaders, with the Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Senegal represented alongside Liberia.

“Liberia is a long-time friend of the United States and we believe in your policy of making America great again,” Liberian president Joseph Boakai said before advocating for US investment in his country, Reuters reported.

“Such good English,” Trump said. “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated?”

Boakai seemed to chuckle but diplomatically didn’t give a direct response.

“In Liberia?” Trump prompted.

“Yes sir,” Boakai replied.

“That’s very interesting,” Trump said. “I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”

The west African country was founded in 1822 as a colony for freed African slaves and free-born Black citizens, with white members of the American Colonisation Society believing they faced better chances of freedom there than in America.

Liberia declared independence in 1847 but the US did not recognise this until 1862. Alongside English, 27 living indigenous languages are spoken in Liberia but only a small percentage of people speak these as a first language.

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