Donald Trump has been mocked after asking the leader of an English-speaking country where he learnt to speak the language so well. The US President made the blunder as he hosted visiting African leaders for a three-day mini summit in Washington. Leaders from several African nations are attending the gathering taking place from July 9 to July 11, including Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal.
One interaction has been getting plenty of attention online after Liberian President Joseph Boakai voiced his gratitude towards Trump, saying his administration wants to “work with the United States in peace and security within the region, because we are committed to that, and we just want to thank you so much for this opportunity”.
Trump then responded, “Thank you, and such good English”. He then asked the head of state, “Where were you educated? Where? In Liberia? Well, that’s very interesting. It’s beautiful English.”
The property mogel then quipped: “I have people at this table can’t speak nearly as well.”
Trump appeared unaware that English is Liberia’s official language, and that it has deep historical ties with the US.
It was originally founded in 1822 as an “outpost for returning freed slaves from the Americas”, according to a brief history of Liberia published by non-profit The International Center for Transitional Justice.
It then “grew into a colony and eventually became a commonwealth, and achieved independence in 1847 with the help of the American Colonization Society (a private organization based in the United States),” it explains.
“Descendants of the freed slaves, generally known as Americo-Liberians, remained in social and political control of the country until 1980.”
Liberia’s political system is modeled on that of the U.S., along with its flag. Liberians often refer to the U.S. as their “big brother.”
Republicans Against Trump, who are vociferous critics of the President, shared a quote from the exchange on their X account, prompting a flurry of bemused comments.
One X user wrote simply: “The whole world is laughing at us.”
Another said: “This is embarrassing and infuriating all the same.”
A third added: “Somebody going to tell him?” along with a crying laughing emoji.
The White House is yet to comment on Trump’s remarks.