American president, Donald Trump raised eyebrows after he complimented Liberian President Joseph Boakai on his “good English” during a White House luncheon with African leaders.
This exchange took place at a diplomatic gathering aimed at strengthening U.S.-Africa relations.
After President Boakai delivered some brief remarks, Trump leaned in and asked, “Thank you, and such good English! Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated?”
President Boakai, a seasoned business graduate and statesman who, like most Liberians, speaks English as his first language, calmly replied that he had been educated in his home country.
However, his muted response suggested some discomfort.
Unfazed, Trump continued to comment on Boakai’s speech, saying, “It’s beautiful English. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”
This remark drew a mix of chuckles and raised eyebrows among the guests, who included French-speaking leaders from across West Africa.
