U.S. President Donald Trump’s remark praising the “beautiful English” of Liberian President Joseph Boakai during a White House meeting has stirred mixed reactions in Liberia. With some interpreting the comment as genuine admiration and others as patronising and tone-deaf. “Such good English. Such beautiful English,” Trump said with visible surprise, before asking where Boakai had learned to speak so well, despite English being Liberia’s official language since its founding.
While the Liberian Government has downplayed the exchange, saying no offence was taken, many Liberians—particularly from Civil society and opposition circles—viewed the remarks as condescending.
Critics, including Foday Massaquio of the Congress for Democratic Change, called the statement disrespectful, highlighting broader concerns about Western attitudes toward African leaders. The backlash comes amid growing unease over recent U.S. aid cuts to Liberia, including the dissolution of the USAID mission, a programme that has long underpinned bilateral relations.
Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, defended Trump’s remarks as a recognition of Liberia’s American-influenced linguistic heritage. However, voices like Siokin Civicus Barsi-Giah, an ally of former President George Weah, said the comment mocked rather than honoured President Boakai.
Analysts remain divided, with some seeing a reflection of Trump’s rhetorical style and others warning that even unintended slights can strain relations with a country that has long considered the U.S. its “big brother.”