Editor's note: This headline has been updated.
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump hosted Liberian President Joseph Boakai and the leaders of four other West African countries at the White House. In one viral exchange, Trump was seen complimenting Boakai's English skills.
"Such good english, such beautiful English," Trump said to Boakai in a clip posted to Bluesky by anti-Trump conservative website The Bulwark. "Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Were you educated? Where?"
"Thank you sir," Boakai said.
READ MORE: 'Why did she say that?' Even White House officials are 'upset with Pam Bondi'
"In Liberia?" Trump asked.
"Yes sir," Boakai responded.
"Well, that's very interesting," Trump exclaimed. "It's beautiful English! I have people at this table who can't speak nearly as well."
Trump was apparently unaware that Liberia adopted English as its official language in 1847, when it declared its independence. In addition to growing up speaking English, Boakai was also educated in the United States, having attended Kansas State University thanks to a scholarship from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) – which the Trump administration has gutted during his second term.
READ MORE: Ted Cruz just made life more dangerous for fellow Texans – here's how
The summit with Boakai also included leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Senegal, according to the Associated Press. The Liberian government stated that the West African leaders reportedly met with Trump in order to discuss "economic development, security, infrastructure and democracy."
The meeting also comes after the Trump administration dissolved USAID. Medical journal The Lancet estimated that if the USAID cuts remain in place, the move could result in 14 million additional deaths in developing countries by 2030.
Watch the video below, or by clicking this link.
Trump to the President of Liberia: "Such good English. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?" English is the official language of Liberia...
[image or embed]
— The Bulwark (@thebulwark.com) Jul 9, 2025 at 1:34 PM