U.S. President Donald Trump met with the leaders of five African nations on the 9th (local time) at the White House, where he praised the English skills of the President of Liberia, drawing attention.
According to major foreign media, President Trump said that day that the United States is transitioning its relationship with Africa from aid to trade while meeting with the leaders of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Liberia, and Senegal. He also emphasized that the U.S. is a better partner for Africa than China.
President taxes of Liberia urged U.S. investments in Liberia, stating in English, 'Liberia is a longstanding ally of the United States, and we believe in your policy to "Make America Great Again."' Other leaders spoke in their native languages with interpreters accompanying them.
President Trump asked President taxes, '(Your) English is really good and beautiful. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully, and where did you get your education?' When President taxes responded with laughter, Trump asked again, 'Where did you learn English?'
Not hearing a specific answer, President Trump asked President taxes again, 'Did you learn it in Liberia?' President taxes responded, 'Yes.' To this, President Trump said, 'That's really interesting,' adding, 'There are people at this table who do not speak so well.'
Foreign media pointed out that 'President Trump seems unaware that English is the official language of Liberia.' Liberia is a country that was established in 1822 after African-Americans, who were once enslaved, migrated there with the support of the American Colonization Society. Liberia, which was once a colony of the United States, gained independence in 1847 and continues to use several indigenous languages in addition to English, its official language.
U.S. NBC reported, 'During a White House event, President Trump praised President taxes, saying, "You speak really excellent English."' It noted, 'English is the official language of Liberia, and many of the people living there are descendants of freed American slaves who were brought to Africa in the early 19th century.'
This is not the first time President Trump has mentioned the English skills of foreigners in a formal setting. In February, after a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when asked by an Indian reporter, he commented, 'I cannot understand anything he says because of his accent,' adding, 'It's a bit disconcerting.'
Earlier, shortly after taking office, during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he remarked to a reporter from Afghanistan, 'Your voice and accent are beautiful,' pointing out, 'The problem is, I cannot understand anything you say.'