Poli Alert Politics & Civics
Related Articles
During a meeting with leaders of several African nations at the White House on Wednesday, President Donald Trump sparked criticism after complimenting Liberian President Joseph Boakai on his English-speaking skills — despite English being Liberia’s national language.
“Well, thank you,” Trump said after Boakai delivered remarks. “And such good English, that’s beautiful. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?”
When Boakai responded that he was educated in Liberia, Trump added, “Well, that’s very interesting. It’s beautiful English. I have people at this table can’t speak nearly as well.”
The comments, made in what the White House described as a “heartfelt compliment,” quickly drew backlash online from lawmakers, activists, and foreign policy experts who saw the remarks as culturally ignorant and dismissive.
“Trump never misses an opportunity to be racist and wrong,” wrote Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) on X. “Asking the President of Liberia where he learned English when it’s literally the official language is peak ignorance.”
Former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger echoed the criticism, calling Trump “absolutely the dumbest man in government” and labeling the exchange “ridiculous.”
Historical Context: Liberia and the U.S.
Liberia’s deep ties to the United States are well-documented. The country was established in the early 19th century by the American Colonization Society, a group supported by both abolitionists and slaveholders that aimed to resettle freed African Americans.
Liberia declared independence in 1847, modeling its constitution on the U.S. Constitution and naming its capital Monrovia after President James Monroe, a proponent of the colonization effort. Many Liberians are descendants of freed American slaves, and English has remained the country’s official language since its founding.
Liberia is the oldest modern republic in Africa and the second-oldest Black-led republic in the world, after Haiti.
Diplomatic Fallout
While the White House attempted to downplay the incident, stating that Trump’s comment was meant as a compliment, critics argue that the remark reflects a broader pattern of racially insensitive rhetoric.
Trump has a history of controversial statements regarding African nations. In 2018, he referred to Haiti and African countries as “shithole countries” during a private immigration meeting with lawmakers — a comment that drew widespread condemnation across the globe.
“This is the kind of ignorant mindset that harms diplomatic relationships and reinforces harmful stereotypes,” said Ayodele Olayinka, a political analyst specializing in U.S.-Africa relations.
Others note that Trump’s remarks distract from potentially meaningful diplomatic discussions taking place between the U.S. and African leaders, including economic cooperation, public health partnerships, and national security.
