WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump complimented the president of Liberia Wednesday on his English-speaking skills — despite English being the official language of the West African nation.

Trump was hosting a White House lunch with African leaders Wednesday, and — after brief remarks from President Joseph Boakai — asked the business graduate where he had picked up his linguistic know-how.

“Thank you, and such good English... Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated?” Trump said.

Boakai — who, like most Liberians, speaks English as a first language — indicated he had been educated in his native country.

US President Donald Trump participates in a multilateral lunch with visiting African Leaders at the White House in Washington on July 9, 2025. (AFP)