Trump Surprised by Liberian President’s English, Praises His Speaking Skills at White House Meeting

U.S. President Donald Trump was visibly impressed by Liberian President Joseph Boakai’s command of English during a meeting with West African leaders at the White House on Wednesday.

After Boakai delivered his remarks, Trump turned to him and said, “You speak such good English,” before asking, “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?”

When Boakai laughed and replied that he learned in Liberia, Trump appeared surprised and responded, “It’s beautiful English. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”

Boakai did not point out that English is Liberia’s official language—a legacy of the country’s founding by freed African-American slaves in 1822.

At the meeting, Trump promised a shift from aid to trade, telling leaders from Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau that their countries were “very vibrant places with very valuable land, great minerals, and great oil deposits, and wonderful people.”

When asked by a reporter if he plans to visit Africa, Trump replied, “At some point, I would like to go to Africa,” but added that it would depend on his schedule.