U.S. President Donald Trump drew attention during a White House meeting with African leaders on July 9, 2025, when he praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai for his English-speaking skills. The event, held in the State Dining Room, included leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal. As many leaders spoke in their native languages, Boakai addressed Trump in fluent English, expressing Liberia’s support for U.S. investment and admiration for Trump's "Make America Great Again" policy.
“Liberia is a longtime friend of the United States,” Boakai said. “We believe in your policy and thank you for this opportunity.” Trump, visibly impressed, asked where Boakai had learned such “good English.” Boakai, amused, replied, “In Liberia,” prompting further comments from Trump, who remarked that some Americans “can’t speak nearly as well.”
Trump’s comments spotlighted Liberia’s deep-rooted historical ties to the U.S. Liberia, founded in 1822 as a colony for freed African Americans, has English as its official language, alongside several Indigenous tongues. The country’s founding was driven by American efforts to resettle formerly enslaved people, making it one of the most unique historical allies of the U.S. in Africa.
The meeting underscores ongoing U.S.-Africa relations, with Trump signaling interest in deeper economic cooperation. Boakai’s remarks highlight Liberia’s desire to attract American investment amid broader regional efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with Washington.
The interaction gained media attention for its unusual tone and Trump’s candid remarks, reflecting both diplomatic charm and the cultural-historical link between Liberia and the U.S.