[VIDEO] Drama as Trump Asks Liberian President: “You Speak Good English, Where Did You Learn it…?”

The New Diplomat
Writer

Ad

Sanae Takaichi Shatters Glass Ceiling, Becomes Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

By Abiola Olawale ​Sanae Takaichi officially made history on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, by being elected as Japan's first female prime minister following a parliamentary vote. Takaichi, an ultraconservative leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured the top post after a coalition deal with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (Ishin no Kai). The 64-year-old…

PDP To Know Fate on Oct 31 as Court Delivers Judgment on National Convention

By Abiola Olawale The political landscape of Nigeria's main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), remains suspended in uncertainty as the Federal High Court in Abuja has set October 31 as the date for judgment in the contentious suit challenging the party’s planned national convention. ​The high-stakes ruling, which follows the conclusion of legal…

Brent Flirts With $60 as Oversupply Fears Deepen

Oil prices continued to inch lower in early Tuesday trading as concerns about oversupply and sagging demand resumed their grip on the market, even as trade-talks between the United States and China offered a glimmer of optimism. At the time of writing, WTI was down 0.52% at $57.22, while Brent had fallen 0.54% to $60.61.…

Ad

By Abiola Olawale

A recent exchange at the White House between United States President Donald Trump and Liberian President Joseph Boakai has ignited massive reactions on social media.

During a luncheon with leaders from several African nations, Trump complimented Boakai on his English proficiency, asking, “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?”

The incident occurred during a diplomatic initiative where Trump hosted presidents from Liberia, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss shifting US policy towards Africa from traditional aid to a focus on trade, aiming to enhance commercial opportunities and counterbalance China’s growing influence on the continent.

However, the exchange between Trump and his guest, the President of Liberia, has somewhat overshadowed the meeting, as many people wondered why Trump overlooked the fact that English is the official language of Liberia.

Critics argue that Trump’s comments might not be in tune with Liberia’s history and current realities.

The New Diplomat reports that Liberia, founded in 1822 by freed Black Americans under the auspices of the American Colonization Society, declared its independence in 1847.

English has been the official language of Liberia since its inception.

Ad

X whatsapp