Donald Trump‘s second term has been marked by terrifying rhetoric and an unsettling disregard for the civil rights of Americans. So, it’s almost quaint when the president offers up a good, old-fashioned gaffe.
Trump blundered during a meeting with African leaders on Wednesday, praising Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s English. Founded by American settlers in the 1840s, the West African country‘s official language has always been English.
“Such good English. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?” Trump asked, to uncomfortable laughs from the table.
Though he didn’t go into the history of free people of color founding Liberia, or mention that his presidential estate is located in a city named for an American president, Bokai explained to Trump that he learned to speak English in Liberia.
“Beautiful English,” Trump replied, still astonished. “I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”
Trump to the President of Liberia: "Such good English. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?"
English is the official language of Liberia… pic.twitter.com/Q4nbmINHTr
— The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) July 9, 2025
Start your day with essential news from Salon.
Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course.
The leaders at the summit quickly moved on, but Trump came in for some clowning on social meda.
“Asking the President of Liberia where he learned English when it’s the official language is peak ignorance,” Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, wrote on X. “I’m pretty sure being blatantly offensive is not how you go about conducting diplomacy.”
