Trump is amazed at the Liberian president’s level of English, even though it’s his official language: “Where did he learn to speak it so well?”

On Wednesday, Donald Trump met with several African leaders from Guinea-Bissau, Gabon, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal in the White House dining room in Washington. Multiple languages were spoken during the meeting, and all attendees wore headsets to listen to translations.

An unfortunate comment

Once again, the U.S. president was at the center of an awkward moment. Joseph Boakai, the president of Liberia, stated in perfect English: “Liberia has long been a friend of the United States, and we believe in your policy of making America great again. We are very grateful for this opportunity,” referring to U.S. investment in his country.

Trump appeared surprised by Boakai’s fluent English and repeatedly asked, “Where did you learn to speak it so well? Where did you study?” To this, Boakai replied, “In Liberia.” Trump then offered what he intended as a compliment: “How interesting. Beautiful English. I have people at this table who can’t speak it that well.”

What Trump meant as praise came across as awkward to others, since English has been Liberia’s official language since the country’s founding. The moment was even more jarring considering the historical reason English is spoken in Liberia.

Why is English the official language of Liberia?

Liberia was founded in 1822 by the American Colonization Society as a destination for freed African American slaves from the United States. Many of these settlers spoke English and brought with them cultural, social, and political traditions from American society. When Liberia declared independence in 1847, it adopted a constitution modeled after that of the U.S. and established English as its official language, cementing the cultural legacy of its founders.

Over time, English has served as a unifying official language in a country marked by ethnic and linguistic diversity. Liberia is home to more than 30 indigenous languages, but English remains the language of education, government, media, and legal documents. Its continued use reflects both the country’s historical roots and the practical need for a common means of communication among its many communities.

While many Liberians speak local dialects, fluency in English remains essential for accessing opportunities and participating in political life. In fact, the country’s name—Liberia—was chosen to honor the freedom gained by the formerly enslaved people who settled there. Derived from the Latin word liber, meaning “free,” the name symbolizes the ideal of liberty that inspired the nation’s founding. When Liberia became a republic in 1847, it officially adopted the name “Liberia” to reflect its origin and purpose.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.