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yesterday

Trump’s White House Summit With West African Leaders Advances Investment Push Despite Language Gaffe

A diplomatic misstep over Liberia’s official language underscores a shift from aid toward private investment in West Africa’s mineral sectors

President Donald Trump speaks with African leaders including Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Bissau-Guinean President Umaro Sissoco EmbalÛ, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema during a lunch in the State Dining Room of the White House, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Donald Trump recibe al presidente de Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai

Overview

  • President Trump complimented Liberian President Boakai on his English proficiency before realizing that English is Liberia’s official language, drawing criticism for the misjudgment.
  • At a multilateral lunch on July 9, Trump hosted the presidents of Liberia, Senegal, Gabón, Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau to discuss access to their strategic mineral reserves.
  • The West African leaders affirmed their readiness to open mining sectors to U.S. private investment in resources such as manganese, bauxite, lithium and uranium.
  • Trump defended his July 1 closure of USAID as a move to eliminate waste and promised that trade and private-sector partnerships will offer more sustainable development support.
  • Several attendees lauded Trump’s mediation of the recent DRC–Rwanda peace accord and the presidents of Mauritania and Senegal indicated they may propose him for the Nobel Peace Prize.