US President Donald Trump invited African leaders for lunch in the State Dining Room in the White House this week.
But while talking to the President of Liberia, Joseph Boakai, he made a comment about his English accent that left people ‘embarrassed’.
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Trump asked Boakai where he learned the language
The POTUS asked Boakai where he learned to speak English so well during the lunch.
But you can imagine how awkward that question is, given that Liberia’s official language is English.
He also asked him if he was educated
“Thank you, and such good English,” Trump said to the Liberian President who delivered his remarks. “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?”
Trump went on, “Were you educated? Where?”
He told him he speaks better than others at the table
“Yes, sir,” Boakai responded, before Trump went on to ask him where he learnt English in his country.
“That’s very interesting. It’s beautiful language. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well,” Trump said.
The interaction made the rounds on social media
This encounter between the two presidents made the rounds on social media where pretty much the entire internet agreed that it was an awkward moment.
“National embarrassment,” wrote one person on X. And another agreed, “This is so embarrassing.”
People seemed upset by the comment
Another person echoed the sentiment, asking, “Does Trump ever not embarrass our country on the global stage?”
English is the official language of Liberia, despite the fact that more than 30 languages are spoken in the country.
Trump makes a habit of commenting on people’s English
This isn’t the first time the POTUS comments on foreign leaders’ English accents, as he’s given out compliments to people like German Chancellor Friedrich Merz whom he said has ‘very good’ English.
He has often also said he couldn’t understand people
Trump has also frequently said that he couldn’t ‘understand’ reporters’ accents.
In one press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump said of a reporter asking questions from abroad, “I can’t understand a word he’s saying. It’s the accent. It’s a little bit tough for me to hear that.”
Trump made a similar remark to an Afghan reporter
Another time, talking to an Afghan reporter, Trump said she had a ‘beautiful voice and a beautiful accent’, adding, “The only problem is I can’t understand a word you’re saying.”
“But I just say this — Good luck. Live in peace,” he said.
Certainly, these press conferences seem to be the place for awkward moments.
