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10-07-2025
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Trump's Comments on Liberian President's English Spark Controversy

Date: 10-07-2025
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | edition.cnn.com: 2 | news.sky.com: 1 | theguardian.com: 1
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Image Source:

Source: edition.cnn.com

Image content: The image is a collage of two photographs taken during a meeting between Donald Trump and other dignitaries. The main subject is Donald Trump seated at a table with other men, in a room with flags and a formal atmosphere. The caption "TRUMP PRAISES LIBERIAN LEADER'S ENGLISH. IT'S HIS NATIVE LANGUAGE" is in white text.

Summary

US President Donald Trump praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai's English language skills during a White House meeting, sparking widespread criticism across Africa. The incident highlights Trump's history of making controversial comments about Africa. Meanwhile, an investigation revealed that some of the world's poorest countries paid millions to lobbyists linked to Trump to offset US cuts to foreign aid.

Key Points

  • US President Donald Trump praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai's English language skills during a White House meeting, not realizing English is Liberia's official language
  • The comment sparked criticism across Africa, with many viewing it as condescending and ignorant of Africa's linguistic diversity
  • The White House defended Trump's statement as a 'heartfelt compliment'
  • The incident highlights Trump's history of making controversial comments about Africa and its people
  • An investigation revealed that some of the world's poorest countries paid millions to lobbyists linked to Trump to offset US cuts to foreign aid

Articles in this Cluster

Watch: Trump praises Liberian president's English, the country's official languageBritish Broadcasting CorporationBritish Broadcasting Corporation

10-07-2025

US President Donald Trump complimented Liberian President Joseph Boakai on his English language skills during a White House meeting with several African leaders. Trump asked Boakai where he went to school, not realizing that English is Liberia's official language. Liberia, founded in 1822 by freed American slaves, is Africa's oldest republic.
Entities: Donald Trump, Joseph Boakai, Liberia, White House, Africa • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform

Trump praises ‘good English’ of Liberian president, prompting criticism across Africa | CNNClose icon

10-07-2025

US President Donald Trump praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai for his English language skills, sparking criticism across Africa. Trump asked Boakai where he learned to speak English so well, not knowing that English is Liberia's official language. Many Liberians and Africans took offense to Trump's comment, viewing it as condescending and ignorant of Africa's linguistic diversity. The White House defended Trump's statement, calling it a 'heartfelt compliment.' The incident highlights Trump's history of making controversial comments about Africa and its people.
Entities: Donald Trump, Joseph Boakai, Liberia, Africa, White House • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform

Trump praises Liberian leader’s English. It’s his native language | CNN

10-07-2025

During a White House meeting with African leaders, US President Donald Trump complimented Liberian President Joseph Boakai's English pronunciation, despite English being Boakai's native language. This incident is highlighted in a CNN article that also covers various other global news stories, including Russia's drone attack on Ukraine, Houthi rebels' attack on a commercial ship, and protests in Kenya.
Entities: Donald Trump, Joseph Boakai, White House, Liberia, CNN • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform

Donald Trump praises Liberian president's English - the country's official language | US News | Sky News

10-07-2025

US President Donald Trump praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai's command of English during a White House meeting, asking where he learned to speak 'so beautifully'. Boakai responded that he learned in Liberia, without revealing that English is the country's official language. Trump also discussed a pivot from aid to trade with leaders from Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau, describing their countries as 'vibrant places' with valuable resources.
Entities: Donald Trump, Joseph Boakai, Liberia, White House, West Africa • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform

Lobbyists linked to Donald Trump paid millions by world’s poorest countries | Global development | The Guardian

10-07-2025

An investigation by Global Witness reveals that some of the world's poorest countries, including Somalia, Haiti, and Yemen, have paid millions to lobbyists linked to Donald Trump to offset US cuts to foreign aid. These countries have begun bartering crucial natural resources, such as minerals, in exchange for humanitarian or military support. The investigation found that 11 countries signed significant lobbying deals with figures tied to Trump after he slashed US foreign humanitarian assistance.
Entities: Donald Trump, Global Witness, Somalia, Haiti, Yemen • Tone: negative • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform