People ‘embarrassed’ after Trump makes ‘idiotic’ comment about Liberian president’s English in painfully awkward moment

Donald Trump recently hosted African leaders at the White House, including Liberian President Joseph Boakai, but an awkward exchange between the two has since gone viral.

During a lunch in the State Dining Room, Trump complimented Boakai’s English, seemingly unaware that English is Liberia’s official language. “Thank you, and such good English,” Trump said, before asking, “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?”

He followed up by asking whether Boakai was educated and where, to which the Liberian president simply replied, “Yes, sir.” Boakai confirmed he learned English in Liberia, and Trump responded by calling it “very interesting.”

Trump continued by praising Boakai’s English again, adding, “I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well,” a comment many have called tone-deaf and awkward.

Social media users were quick to criticize the exchange, calling it embarrassing and questioning Trump’s awareness of global cultures and history. Some even labeled the interaction as offensive.

Liberia, founded by African Americans, has English as its official language. The country declared independence in 1847, and despite the existence of over 30 local languages, English remains central to education and governance.

Trump’s comments were compared to other controversial moments, including press interactions where he said he couldn’t understand foreign reporters’ accents. In one instance, he told an Afghan journalist she had a beautiful voice but admitted he couldn’t understand her.

The incident adds to a list of uncomfortable moments since Trump resumed the presidency in January, including tense discussions with global leaders like Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy.