“Beautiful English, Where Did You Learn Such Good English?”

Africa, Politics, World

During a meeting with African leaders at the White House on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump sparked controversy with what he likely intended as a compliment. Instead, it has been widely criticised as tone-deaf and patronising.

Turning to Liberian President Joseph Boakai, Trump remarked on his “beautiful English,” asking, “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?” President Boakai, who was educated in Liberia a country where English is the official language responded by simply stating his place of education.

Trump’s follow-up drew raised eyebrows:

“That’s very interesting. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”

The comment triggered swift reactions across the African continent and among the Liberian diaspora. Many saw it as another example of Trump’s perceived ignorance of African history, culture, and politics.

“I felt insulted,” said Archie Tamel Harris, a Liberian youth advocate. “Our country is English-speaking. For him to ask that question, I don’t see it as a compliment. It shows a continued view of Africans as uneducated.”

A Liberian diplomat who requested anonymity called the remark “condescending” and “inappropriate for a meeting of heads of state.”

Colonial History Noted

Liberia holds a unique place in Africa’s history. Founded in the early 19th century by freed American slaves through the American Colonization Society, the country has long held English as its national language. It became independent in 1847.

Despite that, Trump’s remark seemed to reflect surprise that an African president could speak English fluently a view many found deeply troubling.

South African MP Veronica Mente questioned on social media, “What stops [Boakai] from standing up and leav[ing]?”

White House Pushback

The Trump camp moved quickly to defend the former president. Massad Boulos, Trump’s senior advisor for Africa, issued a statement claiming, “Everyone was deeply appreciative of the President’s time and effort. The continent of Africa has never had such a friend in the White House.”

Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly called the comment a “heartfelt compliment” and used the moment to contrast Trump with President Joe Biden.

“President Trump has already done more to restore global stability and uplift countries in Africa than Biden did in four years,” she told CNN.

Liberia Seeks to Quell the Fire

From Monrovia, Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti attempted to calm the uproar. She said the comment was not offensive to President Boakai and explained it might have stemmed from Trump noticing “the American influence” in Liberian English.

“We know English has different accents,” Nyanti said, “and him picking up on that was just recognising something familiar. The President was not offended.”

A Pattern of Remarks

This is not the first time Trump has made controversial comments about Africa. In 2018, he came under fire for reportedly calling African nations “shithole countries.” In May this year, he wrongly accused South African authorities of genocide against White farmers claims widely debunked by experts.

Still, Wednesday’s meeting ended on a friendlier note, with leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal thanking Trump for his time and urging greater American investment in African resources.

President Boakai even said Liberia “believes in the policy of making America great again.”