U.S. President Donald Trump, during a White House lunch with African leaders on Wednesday, raised eyebrows with a question to Liberian President Joseph Boakai, when he asked where he learned to speak English “so beautifully”, despite English being Liberia’s official language.
Trump asked the question, which appeared to the Liberian leader, in the State Dining Room after Boakai delivered brief remarks in English, following two other African leaders who used interpreters.
Trump, seemingly impressed by Boakai’s fluency, commented, “Thank you, and such good English,” before asking, “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?”
As Boakai responded with a chuckle, Trump pressed further and asked, “Where? Were you educated? Where?”
“Yes, sir,” Boakai replied.
“In Liberia?” Trump asked.
“Yes, sir,” the Liberian leader confirmed.
“That’s very interesting. It’s beautiful language,” Trump said. “I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”
English is Liberia’s official language, a legacy of its unique history.
Formerly enslaved and freeborn African Americans founded the West African nation with support from the American Colonization Society, which began settling people in the region in 1822.
Liberia declared its independence in 1847.
Boakai, who hails from the remote village of Warsonga, has held prominent roles in both government and private industry.
According to his official biography, he walked more than 300 miles, twice, to the capital city, Monrovia, in pursuit of education.
He eventually enrolled in one of Liberia’s top secondary schools, the College of West Africa, according to The Independent.
Trump’s remark echoed similar past comments that have drawn criticism for cultural insensitivity.
During a press conference earlier this year with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump told an Indian journalist, “Go louder. I can’t understand a word he’s saying. It’s the accent.”
That same day, he asked for a translator to interpret a question from an Indian reporter, even though the question was asked in English.
In another instance, during a joint press event with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump told an Afghan reporter, “You have a beautiful voice and a beautiful accent,” before adding, “The only problem is I can’t understand a word you’re saying. But I just say this — Good luck. Live in peace.”
While Boakai appeared unfazed by Wednesday’s exchange, it is believed that Trump’s question overlooked Liberia’s long-standing ties to the English language and its American-influenced founding.
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