“Such Good English?” – Trump’s Comment on Liberian President Sparks Outrage and Debate Across Africa

Donald Trump hosting President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the four other African leaders at the White House on Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Source: Africa Publicity

A wave of debate is sweeping across Africa after U.S. President Donald Trump praised Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for speaking “such good English” during a White House lunch on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

After President Boakai delivered his remarks, Trump said, “Such good English, it’s beautiful. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?” Boakai responded that he had been educated in Liberia. Trump, appearing surprised, replied, “That’s very interesting.”

In what many saw as a slight toward the four other African leaders present—specifically from Mauritania, Senegal, Gabon, and Guinea-Bissau—Trump added, “I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”

The remark sparked a firestorm of reactions online, dividing opinion across the continent.

Some Africans viewed Trump’s words as a well-meaning compliment. “But honestly, can someone explain why people are so upset about Trump giving a ‘tremendously beautiful’ compliment on someone’s English?” asked John Odongo on LinkedIn, adding that “The man [Trump] even pointed out that some folks in his own circle can’t speak English that well!”

Others, however, found the comment deeply disrespectful and reflective of Trump’s ignorance of African history and identity.

Veronica Mente, a South African politician, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “What stops [Boakai] from standing up and leav[ing]?”

Another user, Kanjori, criticized Trump for reducing the Liberian leader’s speech to a comment on language rather than substance: “So his ideas and the content of the conversation were downplayed to just his eloquence. What an exceptional choice for America!”

Liberia, founded in 1822 by the American Colonization Society as a settlement for freed slaves from the United States, declared its independence in 1847. English has been the country’s official language since its founding, and its leaders have long been educated within the country.

Yet Trump’s apparent surprise that a Liberian leader could speak fluent English—and his decision to focus on that over the content of Boakai’s message—has reopened conversations about lingering stereotypes, post-colonial identity, and respect on the international stage.

Trump is hosting the five African leaders at a three-day U.S.Africa Summit in Washington DC. Discussions during the Summit are focusing on Trump’s “trade, not aid” policy or “commercial opportunities.”

Watch and comments below: