Trump asks Liberian President where he learnt English from - Well, it's the official language | WATCH

US President Donald Trump meets with African Leaders during a multilateral lunch in the State Dining Room of the White House July 9, 2025 in Washington, DC. The leaders of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal met with Trump during the luncheon. (AFP Photo)

US President and his White House luncheons have become instant headline-makers and not exactly for right reasons. In the shadow of the tariff war, President Trump was hosting the leaders of African nations. Most of the leaders – from Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania – were heard speaking in their native languages. Except for Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai. He trumped his American counterpart with ‘beautiful English.” When Boakai took mic, he spoke in English, Liberia’s official language.

"Liberia is a long-time friend of the United States and we believe in your policy of making America great again," Liberia’s President said at the White House meeting. "We just want to thank you so much for this opportunity," Boakai said as he spoke about how his country can be the next investment destination for the US.

Trump to the President of Liberia: "Such good English. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?"

English is the official language of Liberia... pic.twitter.com/Q4nbmINHTr — The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) July 9, 2025

Trump was surprised and impressed in equal measures. He didn’t stop at quiet admiration. "Such good English," Trump said. "Where did you learn to speak so beautifully," the US President asked. "In Liberia?" Trump asked. "Yes sir," Boakai said with faint smile on his face.

"That's very interesting," Trump said. "I have people at this table who can't speak nearly as well," Trump said in what was directed as a compliment for the African leader.

Founded in 1822 as a colony for free Black Americans, Liberia came into existence as white Americans were trying to address what they saw as a problem - the future for Black people in the United States after the end of slavery. English is Liberia's official language, though several Indigenous languages are spoken there as well.

(With AFP inputs)