At a White House meeting on Wednesday, President Donald Trump appeared shocked that Liberian President Joseph Boakai spoke English — even though English is the official language of Liberia.
Boakai spoke clearly in English, thanking Trump and asking for more U.S. investment in Liberia.
“Liberia is a longtime friend of the United States and we believe in your policy of making America great again,” Boakai said. “We just want to thank you so much for this opportunity.”
Trump was clearly impressed and asked, “Such good English, such beautiful … Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated?”
Boakai chuckled and answered simply, “In Liberia.”
“In Liberia?” Trump asked. “Yes sir,” Boakai said.
Trump looked surprised. “That’s very interesting, that’s beautiful English,” he said. “I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”
What Trump seemed to miss is that Liberia was founded in the early 1800s by freed Black Americans, and English has been its official language ever since. It’s the main language in schools, government, and everyday life.
The meeting also included leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Senegal. Most spoke through interpreters.
Trump told the group the U.S. would shift from aid to trade, saying, “There’s great economic potential in Africa, like few other places. This will be far more effective and sustainable than anything else we can be doing together.”
The African leaders praised Trump’s work on peace deals and encouraged American investment.
“We are not poor countries. We are rich countries when it comes to raw materials,” said Gabon’s President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. “You are welcome to come and invest. Otherwise, other countries might come instead of you.”
The moment that stood out, however, was Trump’s surprise that an African leader—of an English-speaking country—spoke English well.
Watch the clip below:
