Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

A seemingly lighthearted exchange between US President Donald Trump and Liberian President Joseph Boakai has sparked mixed reactions.

This is after Trump questioned Boakai on where he learned to speak English beautifully, despite English being Liberia’s official language.

The moment unfolded on Wednesday, July 9, afternoon during a formal lunch in the State Dining Room at the White House.

Trump was hosting five African heads of state, and as conversations flowed in multiple languages, many in the room wore headsets for real-time translations.

But when the Liberian head of state spoke, no interpretation using the headset was required, much to Trump's amusement.

"Such good English," Trump said after Boakai’s remarks.

The president followed up his curiosity with the question that drew glances among those around the seat.

"Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where?... Were you educated? Where?" Trump posed in succession

Boakai, appearing amused, chuckled politely. "Yes, sir," he replied.

"In Liberia?" Trump followed up his question.

"Yes, sir," Boakai confirmed again, still smiling.

Trump, seemingly surprised, added that it was interesting to have the foreign leader speak the King's language fluently.

The US president admitted that some of the diplomats sitting alongside him at the table had struggled to speak the language.

“That’s very interesting. That’s beautiful English. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”

The exchange, captured on video, was met with chuckles around the table, but also raised eyebrows given Liberia’s deep-rooted historical connection to the United States.

English has been the country’s official language since its founding in the 19th century by free and formerly enslaved Black Americans.

Boakai’s gentle handling of the moment masked the deeper irony: Liberia exists largely because of America.

In 1822, freed African Americans began settling in the region with support from the American Colonisation Society, a group that believed Black people would thrive better in Africa than in the US.

Liberia declared independence in 1847, establishing a government and constitution heavily influenced by American political ideals.

In late February 2025, Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in a tense Oval Office session meant to finalise a US-Ukraine rare-earth minerals deal.

Instead, Trump and Vice President Vance sharply criticised Zelenskyy, at times talking over him, accusing him of lacking gratitude and risking a global conflict.

The minerals agreement was abruptly abandoned, and Zelenskyy left without a press conference.

Within days, the US paused military and intelligence aid, citing concerns over Ukraine’s unwillingness to pursue peace terms.

Source: TUKO.co.ke