President Donald Trump rushed Wednesday in the praise of a group of African leaders, many of them speaking a different language, when the Liberian president took his microphone and spoke in English, the official language of his country.
“Liberia is a longtime friend of the United States, and we believe in your policy to make America again large,” said President Joseph Boakai at a White House meeting before defending American investments in his country. “We just want to thank you very much for this opportunity.”
Trump was impressed and asked where Boakai obtained his linguistic skills.
“So good English,” said Trump. “Where did you learn to talk so well?”
Boakai seemed to laugh.
“In Liberia?” Trump asked. “Yes, sir,” said Boakai.
“It’s very interesting,” said Trump. “I have people at this table that cannot speak as well.”
Liberia was founded in 1822 as free colony, an original idea of white Americans trying to solve what they saw as a problem – the future for blacks in the United States once slavery is finished. English is the official language of Liberia, although several indigenous languages are also spoken there.
