Trump compliments Liberian president's 'beautiful' English, asks him where he learnt it

While at a meeting with several African leaders at the White House on Jul. 9, the president of Liberia took the microphone and spoke in English.

"Liberia is a longtime friend of the United States and we believe in your policy of making America great again...We just want to thank you so much for this opportunity," said President Joseph Boakai said, according to Reuters.

In response, US president Donald Trump complimented Boakai's English.

"Such good English," he said. "Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated?"

English is the official language of Liberia.

Responses

The White House Press Office defended Trump's statement against criticism.

Anna Kelly, deputy press secretary at the White House, called his comment a "heartfelt compliment", reported CNN.

She added that "reporters should recognise that President Trump has already done more to restore global stability and uplift countries in Africa and around the world than Joe Biden did in four years".

Liberia's Foreign Minister also clarified that the president did not take offence at the statement.

"Many people do not understand the linguistic borders or linguistic demography of the African continent," she said.

Top image from Joseph Boakai/Facebook