U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks praising Liberian President Joseph Boakai for his “beautiful” English have drawn a mix of amusement, frustration, and reflection in Liberia and beyond.
The comment came during a White House meeting on Wednesday, where Trump, visibly impressed by Boakai’s fluency, asked where he had learned to speak English so well. The remark, seemingly innocuous to some, struck a nerve in Liberia a country where English is the official language and a key part of national identity since its founding in 1822 by freed African Americans.
Many Liberians viewed Trump’s comment as another example of Western ignorance toward Africa. Feminist activist Fatumata Binta Sall, who frequently visits the U.S., likened the moment to countless encounters where Americans seemed surprised she could speak “so well.” She emphasized that such attitudes reveal how invisible countries like Liberia remain in the global consciousness.
Writer William V.S. Tubman III, grandson of former Liberian president William Tubman, was more blunt. “Praising an African head of state for speaking English ‘so beautifully’ isn’t a compliment,” he said. “It’s a reflection of deeply rooted colonial thinking.”
Despite the backlash, both the Liberian government and the White House attempted to downplay the controversy. Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti said Boakai was not offended, noting that Trump had simply recognized the American influence on Liberian English. Trump adviser Massad Boulos echoed the sentiment, stating that those present were appreciative of the U.S. president’s engagement.
On the streets of Monrovia, the reaction was more nuanced. Some citizens and media outlets celebrated Boakai’s poise and fluency, viewing it as a diplomatic success. The Analyst newspaper ran a front-page headline proclaiming “Trump’s Invite of Liberia Scores ‘Bigly’,” using a word famously coined by Trump himself.
While the incident sparked criticism, it also highlighted a persistent challenge for African nations: asserting visibility and respect on the global stage. For Liberia, the meeting offered both a reminder of enduring stereotypes and an opportunity to reshape its narrative.
