Overview

• At a July 9 luncheon with leaders from five African nations, President Trump praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai for speaking “such good English” and asked where he learned to speak so beautifully.
• The video clip went viral online as critics noted the irony that English has been Liberia’s official language since its founding by freed American slaves in the 1820s.
• An anonymous Liberian diplomat characterized the comment as condescending, while Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti said Boakai was unoffended and viewed it as recognition of American-influenced English.
• White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly described Trump’s words as a “heartfelt compliment” within an effort to reposition US policy toward Africa from aid to trade.
• The exchange has fueled broader debates over the administration’s diplomatic preparation, historical awareness and the role of cultural briefing in US–Africa relations.