President Donald Trump’s decision to ask Liberian President Joseph Boakai where he learned English so flawlessly has drawn widespread criticism from netizens across social media.

On Wednesday, Mr Trump hosted a group of African leaders at the White House for a discussion on strengthening relationships between the United States and African countries, especially in terms of investment opportunities.

Before seeking U.S. investment in Liberia, Mr Boakai said, “Liberia is a longtime friend of the United States and we believe in your policy of making America great again,” thanking Mr Trump for inviting African leaders.

Impressed with Mr Boakai’s command of English, Mr Trump remarked, “Such good English. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? In Liberia?”

“Yes, sir,” Boakai replied.

“That’s very interesting,” Mr Trump continued. “I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”

Mr Trump’s question drew a flurry of reactions from netizens on X, with many branding his behaviour as cringe-worthy and derogatory, adding it reflected the U.S. president’s hatred for Africans.

“Not only is English the national language, Liberia was founded by White Americans for Black Americans. He has no knowledge of world history,” said @MissCentre.

Another netizen, @VesperAegus, said, “It’s just unbelievable. You could stick Trump into a history lesson for third graders and every single 9-year-old there would give him a real run for his money.” 

“Trump’s ignorance of Liberia’s official language and his administration’s harmful aid cuts expose a reckless disregard for global partnerships and human dignity,” added @RichardAngwin.

@Xray stated, “The man who vowed America wouldn’t be ‘a laughing stock’ just mocked Liberia’s national language – a nation founded by freed U.S. slaves speaking English since 1847. Trump’s ‘compliment’ reveals more than ignorance: it exposes a foreign policy that treats diplomacy like colonial cosplay.”

Liberia, a country in West Africa bordering Guinea, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire with English as its official language, was founded in 1822 as a colony for free Black Americans.

It was the brainchild of white Americans who attempted to address the future for Black people in the United States after the end of slavery.