During a White House lunch with leaders from five West African nations on 9 July 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump singled out Liberian President Joseph Boakai for praise, telling him he spoke “such good English” and asking, “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated? In Liberia?” The exchange drew attention because English has been Liberia’s sole official language since the country was founded in the 19th century by freed American slaves. Boakai replied that he was educated in Liberia, prompting awkward laughter in the room. Trump’s remarks triggered criticism in Liberia and elsewhere as condescending and ill-informed. Opposition politician Foday Massaquio called the comments disrespectful, while many Liberians voiced confusion and anger online. Liberia’s foreign minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, said the government did not view the words as offensive and framed them as a recognition of the nation’s U.S.–influenced linguistic heritage. A White House spokesperson described the question as a “heartfelt compliment.”