Trump Questions Liberian President's English During Washington Summit

During a three-day summit in Washington with African leaders, US President Donald Trump caused embarrassment by praising Liberian President Joseph Boakai's English and asking where he had learned to speak it so well, seemingly unaware that English is Liberia's official language. Liberia, founded by freed American slaves in the 1820s, has strong historical and cultural ties to the United States, including a political system modeled on that of the US and a flag resembling the Stars and Stripes. The meeting involved leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal, and Liberia and focused on promoting economic partnerships, securing mineral deals, and addressing migrant resettlement, as part of a broader US strategy to counter China's growing influence in Africa. Trump also touted recent peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and received praise from attendees, some suggesting he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize. The president's linguistic gaffe sparked widespread ridicule online, highlighting a diplomatic faux pas amid efforts to strengthen US-Africa relations. Despite the blunder, the summit underscored a shift in US policy from foreign aid to economic collaboration with African nations.