Donald Trump has praised the president of Liberia for speaking “such good English,” seemingly unaware that Liberia’s official language is, in fact, English. The awkward remark was made as the U.S.
president hosted five African leaders on Wednesday for lunch at the White House to discuss potential economic opportunities. After inviting Liberian president Joseph Boakai to address the group, Trump thanked him and noted, “Such good English. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?” Boakai laughed and appeared somewhat confused as Trump pressed on: “Where were you educated? In Liberia?” “Yes, sir,” he replied.
“Well, that’s very interesting. Beautiful English,” Trump said. “I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.
” Liberia was founded in the 1820s as a settlement for freed African-American slaves, hence its name, which translates to “free.” English is its official language, although it also has numerous indigenous languages and a form of English known as Liberian English. On Wednesday, its president joined the leaders of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Senegal for a White House lunch meeting designed to promote private sector investment, secure minerals deals, and bolster supply chains.
The move is the latest effort by successive U.S. administrations to counter perceptions that America has neglected the region, at a time when China has increasingly sought to make economic inroads.
Officials say the talks reflect the Tr.
