Donald Trump was visibly surprised when he addressed Joseph Boakai, Liberia’s President, but comments made to the 80-year-old politician have since caused a stir

Trump's comments to Liberian President Joseph Boakai were reminiscent of an offensive phrase that's commonly directed at Black people, experts say.

In the video, the President of Liberia, Joseph Boakai, thanks Donald Trump for the opportunity to work with the United States. In response, Trump asks Boakai how he learned to speak English...not realizing that English is the official language of Liberia.

Roseline Phay is a farmer in the West African nation of Liberia. She is pregnant after she could no longer find contraceptives when the Trump administration abruptly ended foreign aid via USAID this year.

As President Joseph Boakai and his administration prepare for the U.S.-Africa Leaders' Summit in Washington, D.C., scheduled for July 9-11, 2025, hosted by President Donald J. Trump, he faces a crucial moment to advance Liberia's economic interests.