Why did Trump’s comment on Boakai’s English upset Liberians?
Liberians reacted with a blend of frustration and fatigue after U.S. President Donald Trump praised President Joseph Boakai for speaking “beautiful” English during a White House meeting. Trump then asked where Boakai had learned to speak so well, despite English being Liberia’s official language since its founding in 1822 by freed Black Americans.
Government documents in Liberia are published in standard English, while spoken Liberian English includes influences from local languages and pidgin. For many citizens, Trump’s remark felt less like a compliment and more like a tone-deaf reminder of how little Americans know about their long-standing allies.
Activist Fatumata Binta Sall, who often visits the U.S., said: “Many times, I’ve had Americans ask me whether I studied abroad or where I learned to speak ‘so well’.” She added that such comments show her country “isn’t visible in the minds of many Americans.”
What was the wider reaction from Liberians?
William V.S. Tubman III, writer and grandson of Liberia’s former president, criticized Trump’s praise. “Praising an African head of state for speaking English ‘so beautifully’ isn’t a compliment, it’s a reflection of how deeply colonial thinking continues to shape expectations,” he said. “What Trump said wasn’t ignorance. It was disrespect and entitlement disguised as praise.”
Despite the controversy, Trump adviser Massad Boulos defended the moment: “I was in the meeting and everyone was deeply appreciative of the President’s time and effort.”
Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti also issued a statement saying President Boakai wasn’t offended. “What President Trump heard distinctly was the American influence on our English in Liberia… him picking up the distinct intonation… was just recognizing a familiar English version.”
How did some Liberians view the visit positively?
Not all responses were critical. In Monrovia, some praised President Boakai’s performance and saw the U.S. visit as a win for Liberia on the international stage. Journalist Augustus Caine said, “In terms of his grammar, the way that he spoke, I think it shows that Boakai has a solid foundation in his education in Liberia.”
The Analyst newspaper ran a front-page story celebrating the meeting, with the bold headline: “Trump’s Invite of Liberia Scores ‘Bigly’.” The word “bigly,” often associated with Trump’s political rise, returned as a lighthearted reminder that, regardless of tone, the spotlight was firmly on Liberia.
By Lucky Anyanje