Source: edition.cnn.com
Image content: The image is a meme featuring two photographs of a meeting between Donald Trump and other men, with the text "TRUMP PRAISES LIBERIAN LEADER'S ENGLISH. IT'S HIS NATIVE LANGUAGE" superimposed over it.
The top photograph shows Donald Trump seated at a table with several other men, all dressed in suits. The table is set with glasses, plates, and microphones, and there are flags hanging on the wall behind them. The bottom photograph is a close-up of Trump speaking into a microphone.
The text is written in white capital letters and is centered between the two photographs. It appears to be a satirical commentary on Trump's comments about the English language skills of a Liberian leader, implying that Trump's praise is misplaced
Summary
US President Donald Trump complimented Liberian President Joseph Boakai on his English language skills during a White House meeting, sparking criticism across Africa as English is Liberia's official language, a legacy of its founding by freed American slaves in 1822.
Key Points
- Trump's comment was seen as condescending and perpetuating a stereotype that Africans are not well-educated
- Liberia's Foreign Minister downplayed the issue, attributing Trump's comment to a recognition of American influence on Liberia's English
- Trump also discussed a shift from aid to trade with West African leaders during the meeting