Agencies Washington

Donald Trump was basking in the praise of a group of African leaders on Wednesday, when the Liberian president took the microphone. “Liberia is a longtime friend of US and we believe in your policy of making America great again,” President Joseph Boakai said in English at a White House meeting before advocating for US investment in his country. Trump, clearly impressed, inquired where Boakai got his language skills.

“Such good English, such beautiful …” Trump said. “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated?” Boakai seemed to chuckle. English is the official language of Liberia. “In Liberia?” Trump asked. “Yes sir,” Boakai said.

“That’s very interesting, that’s beautiful English” Trump said. “I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.” Several Liberians voiced their offense over Trump’s comment, given the US president’s past remarks on African countries and the colonial legacy left by US organisation in Liberia.