During a White House meeting, President Donald Trump complimented Liberian President Joseph Boakai on his English proficiency. English is Liberia's official language. The interaction happened as President Boakai addressed the gathering.
President Boakai stated, "Liberia is a longtime friend of the United States and we believe in your policy of making America great again." Trump responded, "Such good English," and asked, "Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?" Boakai replied, "In Liberia?"
Trump remarked, "That's very interesting," adding, "I have people at this table who can't speak nearly as well." Liberia, founded in 1822, adopted English as its official language. The country declared independence in 1847.
The exchange sparked discussions online. A user on X (formerly Twitter) questioned, "What stops [Boakai] from standing up and leav[ing]?" Liberian Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti stated that President Boakai took no offense. She explained that the Liberian president recognized the American influence on Liberia's English.
This meeting highlights the ongoing diplomatic relations between the United States and Liberia. It emphasizes the importance of cultural understanding and communication.