Trump’s Comment on Liberian President’s Use of English Draws Fury, Condemnation, and a Clapback

Trump’s Comment on Liberian President’s Use of English Draws Fury, Condemnation, and a Clapback

In the USA

The news as it trend. See the video below. 

What should have been a respectful diplomatic moment at the White House has now spiraled into a global controversy — one that has landed on social media with disbelief, not just in the American blogosphere but across the world.

During a luncheon with six African heads of state, President Donald Trump, 79, stunned many by asking Liberian President Joseph Boakai, 80, “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?

Where were you educated?” — seemingly unaware that English is Liberia’s official language.

The moment, captured on video and widely shared, has drawn sharp criticism.

Many called Trump’s comment condescending, ignorant, and tone-deaf, especially given Liberia’s deep historical ties to the United States.

Founded in 1822 by freed Black Americans, Liberia has spoken English as its national language since 1847.

Trump’s follow-up — “I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well” — was meant as a compliment but landed in poor taste, reinforcing outdated stereotypes about African nations and their leaders.

President Boakai, maintaining composure, simply replied, “In Liberia, sir.”

The backlash was swift. U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett called it “peak ignorance,” while others accused Trump of diplomatic disrespect and racial insensitivity.

Many Liberians and others on social media expressed shock that such a dismissive tone could be directed at a sitting African president.

Observers noted that Trump’s remark echoed his past controversial comments about Africa and people of color.

Critics say it turned one of the most respected rooms on Earth — the White House — into a stage for memes and emojis on social media, marking yet another embarrassing moment in U.S. diplomacy.

Liberia’s capital, Monrovia, is named after U.S. President James Monroe, symbolizing the country’s unique American legacy.

For many, this moment wasn’t just awkward — it was a reminder of how uninformed and culturally disconnected Trump can appear on the world stage, as well as on other key issues.

Across social media, intellectuals, voices from the African diaspora, and global political commentators echoed a shared sense of disbelief.

On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and YouTube, many pointed out that Trump’s question — directed at the president of a country where English has been the official language since 1847 — was not only questionable but also deeply troubling.

The consensus across social media was clear: Would Trump have laughed if the roles were reversed?

Many believe he would have been visibly angry — and possibly responded with tariffs, sanctions, or a war of words.

Yetunde B reports for Yeyetunde’s Blog.

Footage / X

This is what US President Trump said to Liberian President Joseph Boakai, despite English being the West African country’s official language.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/PFcKdwIXlw

— Robert Simpson CANADA 🇨🇦 FIRST (@RobertS28049870) July 10, 2025

President of Liberia Joseph Boakai impresses US President Donald Trump pic.twitter.com/9lp0bTwPF1

— Robert Friedland (@robert_ivanhoe) July 9, 2025