During his first term, Donald Trump stirred widespread outrage across Africa and the Caribbean after reportedly referring to Haiti and several African countries as “sh-thole countries.” Yet on Wednesday, the U.S. president took a markedly different tone — though one comment still sparked backlash.
While meeting with Liberian President Joseph Boakai, Trump complimented him on his “excellent English.” What Trump seemed unaware of, however, is that English is Liberia’s official language, and Boakai was educated in his home country.
A History of Controversy
Trump’s foreign policy toward Africa has often been contentious. His administration cut millions in humanitarian aid, offered refugee status to white South African farmers, and imposed travel restrictions on multiple majority-Black nations.
In an effort to counter China’s growing influence in Africa and strengthen ties, Trump welcomed leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal to the White House on Wednesday. The meeting, centered on boosting business relations, marked what Trump described as a strategic shift “from aid to trade.”
“We treat Africa far better than China or anybody else,” Trump declared.
He praised the visiting nations as “vibrant places with very valuable land, great minerals, great oil deposits, and wonderful people.”
One Comment, Renewed Backlash
Despite the positive tone, Trump’s offhand remark about President Boakai’s English quickly drew criticism online, reigniting discussions about his past insensitive comments about Africa.
During the meeting, Liberian President Joseph Boakai expressed gratitude to Trump for the chance to work together on peace and security. But then Trump interrupted with a surprising question.
“Thank you. And such good English. Such beautiful. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated? Where?”
Boakai calmly replied that he was educated in Liberia — where English is the official language. Trump’s response?
“That’s very interesting. Beautiful English! I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”
What was meant as a compliment quickly sparked outrage online and in diplomatic circles.
Archie Tamel Harris, a Liberian youth advocate, told CNN, “I felt insulted because our country is an English-speaking country. For him to ask that question, I don’t see it as a compliment. It feels like the U.S. president and the West still view Africans as uneducated villagers.”
Liberia, a West African nation with about 5 million people, has English as its official language. Founded in 1822 by the American Colonization Society to resettle freed U.S. slaves, it declared independence in 1847.
A Liberian diplomat, speaking anonymously, called Trump’s remark “a bit condescending.” Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) didn’t hold back on social media:
“Trump never misses an opportunity to be racist and wrong. Asking the President of Liberia where he learned English — when it’s literally the official language — is peak ignorance.”
Even South African politician Veronica Mente questioned why Boakai didn’t just walk out of the meeting.
Not the first time
This isn’t Trump’s first brush with controversy over his treatment of non-Western leaders. In 2018, he reportedly called Haiti and several African countries “shithole nations.” Though Trump denied using the term, Senator Dick Durbin, present at the meeting, said Trump made “hate-filled, vile and racist” remarks — and repeated them.
Since then, Trump has doubled down on “English-first” rhetoric. In March, he signed an executive order making English the official language of the U.S., and he has openly judged foreign leaders by how “nicely” they speak English.
During a meeting with Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump asked, “Is your English as good as your German?”
Merz laughed and replied, “I try to speak as good as I can.”
Trump has even avoided reporters based on their accents or speaking style.
Trump’s struggles with accents aren’t new. In February, he dismissed an Indian journalist by saying, “I can’t understand a word he’s saying. It’s the accent.” To an Afghan reporter, he offered, “Beautiful accent… only problem is I can’t understand a word.”
White House: “It Was a Compliment”
Despite the backlash, the Trump administration insists the Liberia remark was well-intentioned.
Massad Boulos, senior advisor for Africa, declared, “The continent of Africa has never had such a friend in the White House as they do in President Trump.”
White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly echoed the sentiment, calling it a “heartfelt compliment.”
Even Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, defended the moment:
“There was no offense… What President Trump heard distinctly was the American influence on our English in Liberia, and the Liberian president is not offended by that.”
The African leaders expressed appreciation — and even admiration — for Trump. President Boakai affirmed Liberia’s support for Trump’s global vision, adding, “We believe in the policy of making America great again.”
But Critics Remain Skeptical
Still, some critics argue Trump’s “business-first” approach to Africa lacks depth.
Chinese political scientist Wenfang Tang wrote last year that “Chinese success in Africa is perhaps partly due to the failure of U.S. foreign policy.” He noted that while the U.S. often takes a “moralistic” tone, China treats Africans as “comrades and business partners.”
So, was Trump’s comment a genuine compliment — or just another tone-deaf remark rooted in outdated views about Africa?
Some see it as a friendly nod to Liberia’s American heritage. Others call it condescension from a leader who has repeatedly offended the continent.
What do you think — harmless praise or a diplomatic blunder?