People ‘embarrassed’ after Trump makes ‘idiotic’ comment about Liberian president’s English in painfully awkward moment

This week, Donald Trump invited several African leaders to the White House for lunch, including Liberia’s president, Joseph Boakai. During their meeting, Trump made a comment that many people found awkward and embarrassing.

As Boakai was speaking, Trump complimented his English, saying, “Thank you, and such good English.” Then he asked, “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Were you educated? Where?” Boakai simply replied, “Yes, sir,” and confirmed that he learned English in Liberia. Trump seemed surprised and said, “That’s very interesting. It’s beautiful language. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”

The reason this moment was so uncomfortable is that English is actually the official language of Liberia. The country was founded by freed African Americans and became an independent nation in 1847. Even though many languages are spoken there, English is what’s officially used.

Trump’s comments quickly spread online, with many people expressing secondhand embarrassment. Some called the moment “cringeworthy,” while others said it made the U.S. look bad on the world stage. People questioned how a president could be unaware that English is Liberia’s official language, especially while hosting its leader.

This wasn’t the first time Trump has made comments about people’s accents or language skills. He once said during a press conference with India’s Prime Minister Modi that he couldn’t understand a reporter because of their accent. He made similar remarks to an Afghan journalist, complimenting her voice but saying he couldn’t understand what she was saying. Although he often tries to sound polite, his remarks have left many people feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed.

Even though these types of comments often go viral for the wrong reasons, Trump has also been involved in more serious moments at the White House, including tense conversations with leaders like Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy. Still, it’s these awkward, off-the-cuff remarks that often grab the most attention and leave people shaking their heads.