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Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Donald Trump branded 'condescending' after odd remarks to Liberia's President
Donald Trump was visibly surprised when he addressed Joseph Boakai, Liberia's President, but comments made to the 80-year-old politician have since caused a stir Donald Trump has today been blasted as "condescending" after a remark to the President of Liberia. The US President told Joseph Boakai, 80, he spoke "such good English" - but English has been the sole official language of Liberia since the country's founding in the 1800s. The White House has declined to comment on whether Mr Trump was aware of this. With visible surprise, Mr Trump, 79, told Mr Boakai, who came into power last year, he spoke "such good English". Mr Trump added: "Such beautiful English" as he addressed the politician in the White House on Wednesday. The world leader continued: "Where were you educated? Where? In Liberia?" For many observers, Mr Trump's comments added to the sense of alarm and even betrayal over cuts in US aid to the African country. Foday Massaquio, chairman of Liberia's opposition Congress for Democratic Change-Council of Patriots, said the remarks exemplified Mr Trump's lack of respect for foreign leaders. "President Trump was condescending, he was very disrespectful to the African leader," Mr Massaquio said, adding the remark "proves that the West is not taking us seriously as Africans". Mr Trump met five African leaders on Wednesday, amid a pivot from aid to trade in US foreign policy. While Mr Boakai's government said it took no offence at the comments said during the meeting, citizens in Liberia expressed fury. Moses Dennis, a 37-year-old businessman from Monrovia, said: "Liberia is a long standing friend of the USA, therefore Trump should have understood that we speak English as an official language." Liberia has had deep ties with the United States for centuries, stemming from the drive to relocate freed slaves from the United States. However, earlier this month, US authorities dissolved the US Agency for International Development, a move which sent shockwaves across Liberia. American support previously had made up almost 2.6% of the gross national income, the highest percentage anywhere in the world, according to the Center for Global Development. Liberians thought they would be spared from Mr Trump's cuts because of the countries' close relationship. Their political system is modelled on that of the US, along with its flag. Liberians often refer to the US as their "big brother." And Mr Trump did receive some praise for his remarks to Mr Boakai. Abraham Julian Wennah, a researcher at the African Methodist Episcopal University, told reporters he believes the comments were "an acknowledgment of Boakai's polish, intellect, and readiness for global engagement". But the academic added: "To some, the comment may carry a whiff of condescension, echoing a long-standing Western tendency to express surprise when African leaders display intellectual fluency.
Japan Today
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Japan Today
Many Liberians take offense after Trump praises their leader's English
FILE - Liberia's President Joseph Boakai poses for a photo, prior to the start of the ECOWAS meeting, in Abuja, Nigeria, July 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Olamikan Gbemiga, File) By MARK MENGONFIA, MONIKA PRONCZUK and WILSON MCMAKIN U.S. President Donald Trump's praise of the 'beautiful' English of Liberia's President Joseph Boakai drew confusion Thursday in the English-speaking African country and umbrage over what many considered condescending remarks. 'Such good English,' Trump said to Boakai during an event at the White House, with visible surprise. 'Such beautiful English.' Although English has been the official language of Liberia since the country's founding in the 1800s, Trump asked Boakai where he had learned to speak the language 'so beautifully,' and continued as Boakai murmured a response. 'Where were you educated? Where? In Liberia?' The exchange took place Wednesday during a meeting in the White House between Trump and five West African leaders, amid a pivot from aid to trade in U.S. foreign policy. Boakai's government said it took no offense at Trump's remarks, but other groups in Liberia described the remarks as an insult. The White House declined to comment on whether Trump was aware that English was Liberia's official language. Massad Boulos, the president's senior adviser for Africa, stressed that Trump 'actually complimented the language skills of the Liberian president,'' and that everyone at the meeting was 'deeply appreciative" of the president's time and effort. Liberia has had deep ties with the United States for centuries, stemming from the drive to relocate freed slaves from the United States. Liberian Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti said on X that 'President Trump's comment on Boakai's 'beautiful English' simply acknowledged Liberia's familiar American-rooted accent and no offense was taken.' 'Our linguistic heritage is deeply American‑influenced, & this was simply recognized by @realDonaldTrump. We remain committed to strengthening Liberia‑U.S. ties, built on mutual respect, shared values, and meaningful partnership,' the minister said. Foday Massaquio, chairman of Liberia's opposition Congress for Democratic Change-Council of Patriots, said the remarks exemplified Trump's lack of respect for foreign leaders, particularly African ones. 'President Trump was condescending, he was very disrespectful to the African leader," Massaquio said, adding that it 'proves that the West is not taking us seriously as Africans.' For many observers, Trump's comments added to the sense of alarm and even betrayal over cuts in U.S. aid to the African country. The decision by U.S. authorities earlier this month to dissolve theU.S. Agency for International Development sent shockwaves across Liberia. American support previously had made up almost 2.6% of the gross national income, the highest percentage anywhere in the world, according to the Center for Global Development. Liberians thought they would be spared from Trump's cuts because of the countries' close relationship. Their political system is modeled on that of the U.S., along with its flag. Liberians often refer to the U.S. as their 'big brother.' Liberia was one of the first countries to receive USAID support, starting in 1961. The street signs, taxis and school buses resemble those in New York. 'Liberia is a long standing friend of the USA, therefore Trump should have understood that we speak English as an official language,' said Moses Dennis, 37, a businessman from Monrovia. Siokin Civicus Barsi-Giah, a close associate of former President George Weah, echoed the notion that Trump should have known that Liberians speak English. 'Liberia is an English speaking country,' he said. 'Former slaves and slave owners decided to organize themselves to let go of many people who were in slavery in the United States of America, and they landed on these shores now called the Republic of Liberia.' For him, the exchange was 'condescending and ridiculing," and he said: 'Joseph Boakai was not praised. He was mocked by the greatest president in the world." Some observers, however, said that they believed Trump's remarks genuinely were intended as praise. 'To some, the comment may carry a whiff of condescension, echoing a long-standing Western tendency to express surprise when African leaders display intellectual fluency,' said Abraham Julian Wennah, a researcher at the African Methodist Episcopal University. But if one looks at 'Trump's rhetorical style,' the remarks were 'an acknowledgment of Boakai's polish, intellect, and readiness for global engagement,' he said. ——— AP writer Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
North Wales Chronicle
10-07-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Trump's ‘condescending' praise of Liberian president's English skills criticised
'Such good English,' Mr Trump said to Mr Boakai, with visible surprise. 'Such beautiful English.' English has been the West African nation's official language since the 1800s. But Mr Trump did not stop there. 'Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?' he continued, as Mr Boakai murmured a response. 'Where were you educated? Where? In Liberia?' The exchange took place during a meeting in the White House between Mr Trump and five West African leaders on Wednesday, amid a pivot from aid to trade in US foreign policy. Liberia has had deep ties with the United States for centuries. The country was first established with the aim of relocating freed slaves from the United States. Foday Massaquio, chairman of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change-Council of Patriots, a Liberian political group, said that while the remarks were typical of Mr Trump's engagement with foreign leaders, what some saw as a 'condescending' tone was amplified by the fact that the leaders were African. 'As a matter of fact, it also proves that the West is not taking us seriously as Africans,' he said. 'President Trump was condescending, he was very disrespectful to the African leader.' Kula Fofana, spokesperson for Mr Boakai's office, told The Associated Press: 'I believe that as journalists, it is important to focus on the substantive discussions at the summit.' Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Liberia's foreign minister, said on X that 'President Trump's comment on Boakai's 'beautiful English' simply acknowledged Liberia's familiar American-rooted accent and no offense was taken'. As I shared w/ @CNN our linguistic heritage is deeply American‑influenced, & this was simply recognized by @realDonaldTrump. We remain committed to strengthening Liberia‑U.S. ties, built on mutual respect, shared values, and meaningful partnership. (2/2) — Mme. Sara Beysolow Nyanti (@NyantiSara) July 10, 2025 'Our linguistic heritage is deeply American‑influenced, & this was simply recognized by @realDonaldTrump. We remain committed to strengthening Liberia‑US ties, built on mutual respect, shared values, and meaningful partnership,' the minister said. But for others Mr Trump's comments added to the sense of betrayal which became palpable in Liberia in recent months. Earlier this month, US authorities dissolved the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and said it was no longer following what they called 'a charity-based foreign aid model'. That decision sent shockwaves across Liberia, where American support made up almost 2.6% of the gross national income, the highest percentage anywhere in the world, according to the Centre for Global Development. Liberians thought they would be spared from Mr Trump's cuts because of the countries' close relationship. Their political system is modelled on that of the US, along with its flag. Liberians often refer to the US as their 'big brother'. Liberia was one of the first countries to receive USAID support, starting in 1961. The street signs, taxis and school buses resemble those in New York. 'In the first place, Liberia is a long-standing friend of the USA, therefore Mr Trump should have understood that we speak English as an official language,' said Moses Dennis, 37, a businessman from Monrovia. He added that Mr Boakai did not go to Washington for 'an English speaking competition'. His views were echoed by Siokin Civicus Barsi-Giah, a leadership expert and a close associate of former president George Weah. 'Liberia is an English-speaking country,' he said. 'Former slaves and slave owners decided to organise themselves to let go of many people who were in slavery in the United States of America, and they landed on these shores now called the Republic of Liberia.' For him, the exchange was 'condescending and ridiculing'. He added: 'Joseph Boakai was not praised. He was mocked by the greatest president in the world, who is leading the greatest country in the world.' Some however said that given Mr Trump's personal style, Wednesday's remarks were meant as praise. 'To some, the comment may carry a whiff of condescension, echoing a long-standing Western tendency to express surprise when African leaders display intellectual fluency,' said Abraham Julian Wennah, the director of research at the African Methodist Episcopal University. 'In post-colonial contexts, language has long been weaponised to question legitimacy and competence.' But if one looks at Mr 'Trump's rhetorical style', these remarks were 'an acknowledgment of Boakai's polish, intellect, and readiness for global engagement', he said.
Leader Live
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
Trump's ‘condescending' praise of Liberian president's English skills criticised
'Such good English,' Mr Trump said to Mr Boakai, with visible surprise. 'Such beautiful English.' English has been the West African nation's official language since the 1800s. But Mr Trump did not stop there. 'Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?' he continued, as Mr Boakai murmured a response. 'Where were you educated? Where? In Liberia?' The exchange took place during a meeting in the White House between Mr Trump and five West African leaders on Wednesday, amid a pivot from aid to trade in US foreign policy. Liberia has had deep ties with the United States for centuries. The country was first established with the aim of relocating freed slaves from the United States. Foday Massaquio, chairman of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change-Council of Patriots, a Liberian political group, said that while the remarks were typical of Mr Trump's engagement with foreign leaders, what some saw as a 'condescending' tone was amplified by the fact that the leaders were African. 'As a matter of fact, it also proves that the West is not taking us seriously as Africans,' he said. 'President Trump was condescending, he was very disrespectful to the African leader.' Kula Fofana, spokesperson for Mr Boakai's office, told The Associated Press: 'I believe that as journalists, it is important to focus on the substantive discussions at the summit.' Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Liberia's foreign minister, said on X that 'President Trump's comment on Boakai's 'beautiful English' simply acknowledged Liberia's familiar American-rooted accent and no offense was taken'. As I shared w/ @CNN our linguistic heritage is deeply American‑influenced, & this was simply recognized by @realDonaldTrump. We remain committed to strengthening Liberia‑U.S. ties, built on mutual respect, shared values, and meaningful partnership. (2/2) — Mme. Sara Beysolow Nyanti (@NyantiSara) July 10, 2025 'Our linguistic heritage is deeply American‑influenced, & this was simply recognized by @realDonaldTrump. We remain committed to strengthening Liberia‑US ties, built on mutual respect, shared values, and meaningful partnership,' the minister said. But for others Mr Trump's comments added to the sense of betrayal which became palpable in Liberia in recent months. Earlier this month, US authorities dissolved the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and said it was no longer following what they called 'a charity-based foreign aid model'. That decision sent shockwaves across Liberia, where American support made up almost 2.6% of the gross national income, the highest percentage anywhere in the world, according to the Centre for Global Development. Liberians thought they would be spared from Mr Trump's cuts because of the countries' close relationship. Their political system is modelled on that of the US, along with its flag. Liberians often refer to the US as their 'big brother'. Liberia was one of the first countries to receive USAID support, starting in 1961. The street signs, taxis and school buses resemble those in New York. 'In the first place, Liberia is a long-standing friend of the USA, therefore Mr Trump should have understood that we speak English as an official language,' said Moses Dennis, 37, a businessman from Monrovia. He added that Mr Boakai did not go to Washington for 'an English speaking competition'. His views were echoed by Siokin Civicus Barsi-Giah, a leadership expert and a close associate of former president George Weah. 'Liberia is an English-speaking country,' he said. 'Former slaves and slave owners decided to organise themselves to let go of many people who were in slavery in the United States of America, and they landed on these shores now called the Republic of Liberia.' For him, the exchange was 'condescending and ridiculing'. He added: 'Joseph Boakai was not praised. He was mocked by the greatest president in the world, who is leading the greatest country in the world.' Some however said that given Mr Trump's personal style, Wednesday's remarks were meant as praise. 'To some, the comment may carry a whiff of condescension, echoing a long-standing Western tendency to express surprise when African leaders display intellectual fluency,' said Abraham Julian Wennah, the director of research at the African Methodist Episcopal University. 'In post-colonial contexts, language has long been weaponised to question legitimacy and competence.' But if one looks at Mr 'Trump's rhetorical style', these remarks were 'an acknowledgment of Boakai's polish, intellect, and readiness for global engagement', he said.
Glasgow Times
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Trump's ‘condescending' praise of Liberian president's English skills criticised
'Such good English,' Mr Trump said to Mr Boakai, with visible surprise. 'Such beautiful English.' English has been the West African nation's official language since the 1800s. But Mr Trump did not stop there. 'Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?' he continued, as Mr Boakai murmured a response. 'Where were you educated? Where? In Liberia?' The exchange took place during a meeting in the White House between Mr Trump and five West African leaders on Wednesday, amid a pivot from aid to trade in US foreign policy. Liberia has had deep ties with the United States for centuries. The country was first established with the aim of relocating freed slaves from the United States. Foday Massaquio, chairman of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change-Council of Patriots, a Liberian political group, said that while the remarks were typical of Mr Trump's engagement with foreign leaders, what some saw as a 'condescending' tone was amplified by the fact that the leaders were African. US President Donald Trump speaks during a lunch with African leaders including Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Bissau-Guinean President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington (Evan Vucci/AP) 'As a matter of fact, it also proves that the West is not taking us seriously as Africans,' he said. 'President Trump was condescending, he was very disrespectful to the African leader.' Kula Fofana, spokesperson for Mr Boakai's office, told The Associated Press: 'I believe that as journalists, it is important to focus on the substantive discussions at the summit.' Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Liberia's foreign minister, said on X that 'President Trump's comment on Boakai's 'beautiful English' simply acknowledged Liberia's familiar American-rooted accent and no offense was taken'. As I shared w/ @CNN our linguistic heritage is deeply American‑influenced, & this was simply recognized by @realDonaldTrump. We remain committed to strengthening Liberia‑U.S. ties, built on mutual respect, shared values, and meaningful partnership. (2/2) — Mme. Sara Beysolow Nyanti (@NyantiSara) July 10, 2025 'Our linguistic heritage is deeply American‑influenced, & this was simply recognized by @realDonaldTrump. We remain committed to strengthening Liberia‑US ties, built on mutual respect, shared values, and meaningful partnership,' the minister said. But for others Mr Trump's comments added to the sense of betrayal which became palpable in Liberia in recent months. Earlier this month, US authorities dissolved the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and said it was no longer following what they called 'a charity-based foreign aid model'. That decision sent shockwaves across Liberia, where American support made up almost 2.6% of the gross national income, the highest percentage anywhere in the world, according to the Centre for Global Development. Liberians thought they would be spared from Mr Trump's cuts because of the countries' close relationship. Their political system is modelled on that of the US, along with its flag. Liberians often refer to the US as their 'big brother'. Liberia was one of the first countries to receive USAID support, starting in 1961. The street signs, taxis and school buses resemble those in New York. 'In the first place, Liberia is a long-standing friend of the USA, therefore Mr Trump should have understood that we speak English as an official language,' said Moses Dennis, 37, a businessman from Monrovia. He added that Mr Boakai did not go to Washington for 'an English speaking competition'. His views were echoed by Siokin Civicus Barsi-Giah, a leadership expert and a close associate of former president George Weah. 'Liberia is an English-speaking country,' he said. 'Former slaves and slave owners decided to organise themselves to let go of many people who were in slavery in the United States of America, and they landed on these shores now called the Republic of Liberia.' Liberia's President Joseph Boakai (Olamikan Gbemiga/AP) For him, the exchange was 'condescending and ridiculing'. He added: 'Joseph Boakai was not praised. He was mocked by the greatest president in the world, who is leading the greatest country in the world.' Some however said that given Mr Trump's personal style, Wednesday's remarks were meant as praise. 'To some, the comment may carry a whiff of condescension, echoing a long-standing Western tendency to express surprise when African leaders display intellectual fluency,' said Abraham Julian Wennah, the director of research at the African Methodist Episcopal University. 'In post-colonial contexts, language has long been weaponised to question legitimacy and competence.' But if one looks at Mr 'Trump's rhetorical style', these remarks were 'an acknowledgment of Boakai's polish, intellect, and readiness for global engagement', he said.
