Liberians angry after Trump’s ‘condescending’ praise for their leader’s English

MONROVIA (AP):

There was confusion and anger in Liberia on Thursday after US President Donald Trump praised the English skills of President Joseph Boakai.

“Such good English,” Trump said to Boakai at the White House, with visible surprise. “Such beautiful English.”

English has been the west African nation’s official language since the 1800s. But Trump did not stop there.

“Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?” he continued, as Boakai murmured a response. “Where were you educated? Where? In Liberia?”

The exchange took place during a meeting in the White House between Trump and five West African leaders on Wednesday, amid a pivot from aid to trade in US foreign policy.

Liberia has had deep ties with the United States for centuries, stemming from the drive to relocate freed slaves from the United States.

Foday Massaquio, chairman of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change-Council of Patriots, said that while the remarks were typical of Trump’s engagement with foreign leaders, what some saw as the condescending tone was amplified by the fact that the leaders were African.

“As a matter of fact, it also proves that the West is not taking us seriously as Africans,” he said. “President Trump was condescending, he was very disrespectful to the African leader.”

Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Liberia’s foreign minister, said on X that “President Trump’s comment on Boakai’s “beautiful English” simply acknowledged Liberia’s familiar American-rooted accent and no offence was taken.”

“Our linguistic heritage is deeply American-influenced, & this was simply recognized by @realDonaldTrump. We remain committed to strengthening Liberia-US ties, built on mutual respect, shared values, and meaningful partnership,” the minister said.

CLOSE RELATIONSHIP IN THE PAST

But for others, Trump’s comments added to the sense of betrayal which became palpable in Liberia in recent months.

Earlier this month, US authorities dissolved the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and said it was no longer following what they called “a charity-based foreign aid model”.

That decision sent shockwaves across Liberia, where American support made up almost 2.6 per cent of the gross national income, the highest percentage anywhere in the world, according to the Center for Global Development.

Liberians thought they would be spared from Trump’s cuts because of the countries’ close relationship. Their political system is modelled on that of the US, along with its flag. Liberians often refer to the US as their “big brother”.

Liberia was one of the first countries to receive USAID support, starting in 1961. The street signs, taxis and school buses resemble those in New York.

“Liberia is a long standing friend of the USA, therefore Trump should have understood that we speak English as an official language,” said Moses Dennis, 37, a businessman from Monrovia. He added that Boakai did not go to Washington for “an English speaking competition.”