Trump Commends Liberian President for Speaking 'Such Good English.' It's Their Official Language

President Donald Trump complimented Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on his English during a White House summit with West African leaders, seemingly unaware that English has been Liberia's official language since its founding.

"Such good English. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Were you educated? Where?" Trump asked.

President Boakai replied simply, "There, sir." When Trump followed up, "In Liberia?" Boakai confirmed, "Yes, sir."

Online, the exchange made some viewers cringe. "Even if English wasn't the official language in Liberia, it's still a f---ed thing to say," said an X user.

"English is the official language of Liberia," political commentator Brian Krassenstein wrote, calling Trump a national embarrassment.

In the comments, users pointed out that Liberia was established in the 1800s by freed Black Americans, and its capital, Monrovia, is named after U.S. President James Monroe.

Critics called Trump's question historically tone-deaf and neo-colonial. "Praising a Liberian leader for speaking English is like visiting Québec and asking, 'Wow, where'd you learn French?'" wrote one user.

Viewers of the clip questioned Trump's intelligence and competence, suggesting he should have done some light research on the countries whose leaders he was hosting.

"Does anyone is this administration know how to do their homework?" one asked.

"What a moron," said another, with one writing, "Humiliating."

Other commenters defended Trump, suggesting most people don't know the official language of Liberia. Some noted that there are over 20 indigenous languages in Liberia, so it was possible that English wasn't his primary language.