In what was supposed to be a diplomatic effort to strengthen ties between the United States and West Africa, a moment involving Donald Trump on Wednesday took center stage due to an anecdote as revealing as it was embarrassing. During a summit at the White House with five African leaders from Liberia, Gabon, Senegal, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau, the U.S. president praised the Liberian leader, Joseph Boakai, for his command of the English language.
The question posed by Trump, "Where did you learn to speak English so well?" has gone viral because English is not a foreign language in Liberia—it's the official language.
The Uncomfortable Exchange
After President Boakai addressed Trump in English—being the only one of the five leaders to do so—the U.S. president responded with a mix of surprise and admiration: "What beautiful English, where did you learn to speak so well?" Trump asked, visibly impressed. Boakai, maintaining his composure, simply replied, "In Liberia."
Unfazed, Trump continued, "How interesting. I have people at this table who can't speak it as well!" in a tone that was meant to be jovial but revealed a diplomatic faux pas. He even pressed on, asking repeatedly, "Where? Where were you educated?" underscoring his bewilderment.
The scene was awkward for those present, as Trump's compliment exposed a lack of understanding regarding Liberia’s history and its deep connections with the United States.
Liberia: A Nation Shaped by America
What Trump seemed unaware of is that English is Liberia’s sole official language, a country whose modern history is closely tied to the United States. Liberia was established in the early 19th century as a colony for freed African American slaves. This initiative, led by the American Colonization Society, aimed to resettle emancipated Black people in Africa who had no place in post-slavery American society.
By 1847, Liberia declared its independence, becoming Africa’s first modern republic. The American imprint on Liberia is evident in its institutions and symbols. The capital, Monrovia, is named after U.S. President James Monroe, and the nation’s flag resembles the U.S. flag with red and white stripes and a single white star on a blue field. Liberia’s political system also mirrors the American republican model.
Despite the presence of over 30 indigenous languages across the country, English governs administration, education, and public life in Liberia. Therefore, it is not surprising—in fact, it is expected—that the Liberian president speaks English fluently.
A Summit with Strategic Importance
The incident occurred in a context that should have focused on more significant issues. The meeting between Trump and the five African leaders aimed to redefine U.S.-Africa relations at a time when the continent is gaining geopolitical significance due to its vast natural resources, which Washington considers strategic for national security. However, the linguistic episode drew media and analyst attention for its symbolic weight.
Beyond the anecdote, it highlighted a recurring trend in Trump's diplomatic style: off-the-cuff remarks that, although not intended to offend, reveal a lack of cultural and political awareness. Furthermore, his comment that "some people here can't speak it as well," subtly directed at the other African leaders present, was seen as insensitive, undermining the multilingual diplomacy efforts that characterize such international gatherings.
The moment was deemed "embarrassing" by some and sparked comments both inside and outside the diplomatic chamber. In recent hours, in addition to going viral, the awkward incident has generated a growing number of memes.
Understanding Liberia's American Ties
Why is English the official language of Liberia?
English is the official language of Liberia due to its historical connection with the United States. Liberia was founded in the early 19th century as a colony for freed African American slaves, and the influence of American culture and institutions remains strong.
What was the purpose of the summit between Trump and African leaders?
The summit aimed to strengthen relations between the United States and Africa and to address strategic interests, such as Africa's vast natural resources, which are important to U.S. national security.
How did Trump's comments reflect his diplomatic style?
Trump's comments during the summit reflected a tendency for off-the-cuff, unscripted remarks that often reveal a lack of cultural and political understanding, which can lead to diplomatic missteps.