U.S. President Donald Trump hosts a lunch for African leaders of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 9, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
President Donald Trump praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai for speaking "such good English," apparently unaware that it was the official language of his country.
During a White House event with African leaders on Wednesday, Boakai noted that Liberia was a "long-time friend of the United States."
"We want to work with the United States in peace and security within the region because we are committed to that," he said.
"Such good English," Trump replied. "Such beautiful — where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated?"
The U.S. president seemed shocked to learn that Boakai had been educated in Liberia.
"Well, that's very interesting," he said. "It's beautiful English. I have people at this table [who] can't speak nearly as well."
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