Trump's Liberia Comments Spur Criticism at Summit

During a White House summit with African leaders, President Donald Trump praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai's English skills, expressing surprise at his fluency and repeatedly asking about his education. Trump appeared unaware that English is Liberia's official language, a legacy of its founding by freed American slaves resettled from the U.S. in the 1800s. Liberia, Africa's oldest republic, modeled its constitution and flag after the U.S. Boakai, who was educated both in Liberia and the United States, responded with polite laughter. The incident drew criticism and was seen as reflecting broader controversies over Trump's remarks about African nations and foreign leaders’ language abilities. Liberia retains a distinct identity, with English as a widely spoken language alongside many indigenous tongues.