Controversy as Trump praises Liberian President’s fluent English at White House

The U.S. President Donald Trump is facing renewed online criticism after a remark he made during a White House lunch with African leaders resurfaced.

During the gathering, Trump praised the President of Liberia for speaking “beautiful English,” a comment many interpreted as ignorant, given that English is Liberia’s official language.

The remark was made on Wednesday at a formal event attended by leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal.

When Trump addressed Liberian President Joseph Boakai, he commented on the fluency of his speech, asking, “Such good English. Beautiful English. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?”

The video clip of the exchange quickly went viral on social media, sparking reactions and renewed criticism of Trump’s repeated blunders on global affairs.

“Trump just praised the leader of Liberia for his English. ‘Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?’ FACT: English is the official language of Liberia. NATIONAL EMBARRASSMENT,” U.S. political commentator Brian Krassenstein posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Critics accused Trump of displaying ignorance about basic geopolitical facts, especially concerning a country with deep historical ties to the United States.

Another X user with the name, ‘Trump Lie Tracker’, wrote, “Trump patronizingly asks the President of Liberia how he learned to speak English so beautifully. Trump, of course, has no idea that English is the official language of Liberia.”

Another user with the name, ‘Anonymous’, wrote, “Trump to Liberian President: Such beautiful English, where did you learn to speak English? English is the official language of Liberia. This is embarrassing.”

Founded in 1822 by the American Colonisation Society as a settlement for freed African Americans, Liberia has long been culturally and linguistically aligned with the United States. The country declared its independence in 1847, becoming Africa’s first republic led by people of African American descent. These settlers, known as Americo-Liberians, brought American-style governance and culture, including the English language.

Today, English remains Liberia’s only official language, used in government, legal documents, education, and media. Though the nation also boasts over 20 indigenous languages, English remains dominant in all formal communication.

“Moments like this highlight the importance of cultural and historical literacy among world leaders,” one user wrote online. “Liberia is not just another African country, it’s a country born of America’s own legacy.”

This incident added to a long list of controversial and tone-deaf comments Trump has made about foreign nations and their leaders, particularly African countries. Critics argued that such remarks damage diplomatic relations and perpetuate outdated, patronising stereotypes.