Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai said he was “honoured” to meet U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this week, despite an awkward moment that has since sparked controversy, humour, and even a song in Liberia.
The encounter took place at a White House mini-summit on Wednesday, attended by leaders of five mineral-rich West African nations. During the summit, Trump praised Boakai’s spoken English, asking, “Such good English… Where were you educated?” Unaware that English is Liberia’s official language, Trump’s comment drew mixed reactions both in the U.S. and across Liberia.
Boakai, visibly caught off guard, responded with a polite laugh, replying that he was educated in Liberia.
Speaking to AFP on Friday, Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, said no offence was taken. “We were honoured by the White House’s invitation to President Boakai for a meeting with President Trump and fellow African leaders,” she said. “No offence was taken.” She added that Liberia remains committed to strengthening bilateral ties with the U.S. “built on mutual respect.”
A Historic Connection
Liberia, founded in 1822 by freed African-American slaves with support from the U.S. Congress, has a deep historical connection with the United States. It is the oldest republic in sub-Saharan Africa and declared independence in 1847. English has remained the country’s official and most widely spoken language since its founding.
From Faux Pas to Folk Song
Rather than fueling political tension, the incident has inspired a humorous and patriotic response back home. Former cultural ambassador and popular singer Queen Juli Endee released a tribute song to President Boakai titled “English King of Africa.”
In the widely shared video, she and her band sing, “We salute JNB, our black president, Beautiful English King of Africa,” while waving U.S. flags and donning T-shirts with images of both Boakai and Trump.
Mixed Reactions on the Streets
While the government has downplayed the comment, Liberians have been divided in their reactions.
Shadrach Johnson, an unemployed youth, saw the summit and Boakai’s presence as a sign of national progress. “He went there and spoke on behalf of the Liberian people. It’s progress,” he told AFP.
However, street trader Patience Allison viewed the moment differently. “For him to ask that question, it is almost like you are making fun. He was really making fun of our president,” she said, expressing disappointment.
Whether taken as an innocent mistake or an insensitive remark, the incident has drawn attention to Liberia’s unique historical and cultural ties with the United States—and to the importance of awareness in diplomatic engagement.
What You Should Know
Liberian President Joseph Boakai’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump drew attention after Trump complimented Boakai’s English, unaware that English is Liberia’s official language.
While the government clarified that no offence was taken, the comment stirred mixed reactions among citizens and inspired a popular tribute song calling Boakai the “English King of Africa.”
