Liberia Officially Responds to Trump’s ‘Where Were You Educated?’ Comment

President Boakai

Liberia’s government has said it was not offended by a comment made by U.S. President Donald Trump during a recent meeting with Liberian President Joseph Boakai, who was praised for his English skills—despite English being Liberia’s official language.

President Boakai was in Washington for a mini-summit hosted by President Trump, alongside other leaders from mineral-rich West African nations. During the event, Trump remarked, “Such good English… Where were you educated?” after Boakai delivered his remarks in fluent English. The Liberian president, slightly amused, responded that he had been educated in his home country.

Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, downplayed the moment in a statement to AFP on Friday, saying the Liberian delegation felt “honoured” by the White House invitation and took no offence. “We were honoured by the White House’s invitation to President Boakai for a meeting with President Trump and fellow African leaders. No offence was taken,” she said, adding that Liberia remains committed to strengthening ties with the U.S. based on “mutual respect.”

Trump’s comment has since gone viral and even inspired a tribute song in Liberia. Cultural icon and singer Queen Juli Endee released a video celebrating Boakai, singing, “We salute JNB, our black president, Beautiful English King of Africa,” as she and her band waved American flags and wore shirts featuring both Boakai and Trump.

Public reaction within Liberia has been mixed. Some citizens, like Shadrach Johnson, expressed pride in Boakai’s participation in the summit. “He went there and spoke on behalf of the Liberian people. It’s progress,” he said. Others, like street vendor Patience Allison, felt the remark was disrespectful. “For him to ask that question, it is almost like you are making fun. He was really making fun of our president,” she said.

Founded in 1822 by freed American slaves, Liberia is the oldest republic in sub-Saharan Africa. English has been the country’s official language since its independence in 1847.