Trump Praises Liberian President's English
Media Point Out: "Compliment Creates Awkward Atmosphere"
During a luncheon with African presidents, President Donald Trump of the United States praised the President of Liberia, where English is the official language, for his English proficiency. This remark has drawn criticism for being out of touch with common sense. On July 9 (local time), Yonhap News, citing local media such as The Hill, reported that at a White House luncheon with African heads of state, Trump made an inappropriate comment by complimenting the Liberian president's English skills. This is notable because English is the official language of Liberia.
Five presidents attended the meeting with President Trump, including the presidents of Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau. The awkward situation arose after Joseph Boakai, President of Liberia, gave a brief greeting. The atmosphere at the White House luncheon was filled with gratitude and praise for President Trump from the African leaders in attendance. President Boakai joined in, saying in English, "Liberia is a long-time friend of the United States." He continued, "We believe President Trump's policies will make America great again. Thank you for this opportunity," and especially called for increased U.S. investment in Liberia.
Five presidents from Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau attended the meeting with President Trump. Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News
President Trump then expressed interest in President Boakai's fluent English. Trump exclaimed, "Such wonderful English," and asked, "Where did you learn to speak so well? Where did you study?" President Boakai, while replying that he was educated in his home country, appeared embarrassed and gave an awkward smile. English is the official language in Liberia. Like most Liberians, President Boakai learned and speaks English as his first language, making Trump's remark an awkward compliment.
Above all, the reason the atmosphere left an even more bitter aftertaste is due to Liberia's turbulent history. In the 1820s, following the abolition of slavery, the United States sought a site in West Africa to relocate Black people, and pursued colonial construction in the Liberia area amid resistance and sacrifice from indigenous peoples.
The colonization initiative, led by the American Colonization Society (ACS) established in 1816, ended after Liberia declared independence in 1847 and the United States recognized Liberia's independence in 1862. However, even now, Liberia remains one of the poorest countries in the world, unable to escape scars from civil war and dictatorship between indigenous people and resettled Black populations.
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