Liberians are sharing their dismay and frustration on social media. This response comes in the wake of earlier remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House with Liberia’s vice president, Joseph Boakai. Trump congratulated Boakai for his command of the English language, saying, “What a beautiful English. Such good English.” This exchange has sparked a broader conversation about the historical ties between Liberia and the United States, raising concerns over perceived condescension in Trump’s remarks.
Liberia was established in the early 1800s by freed American slaves. For many decades, it has done a superb job defending its fiefdom by keeping Washington very close. The nation’s political system is a reflection of the U.S., and its flag is designed after the Stars and Stripes. Liberia made English its sole official language in the 1800s. This strong and historic bond inspires Liberia to call the U.S. its “big brother.”
The meeting was held during the visit to the White House by a caucus of five West African heads of state. During this meeting, many Liberians believed that their historical ties with the U.S. would shield them from potential cuts to foreign aid, particularly following the recent dissolution of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) by the Trump administration. At one point, USAID support reached almost 2.6 percent of Liberia’s gross national income, one of the highest percentages in the world.
Historical Context of U.S.-Liberian Relations
Liberia was founded in 1822 by freed slaves and former slave masters. It was once a refuge for those fleeing slavery in the United States. This foundation has informed not just Liberia’s national identity but its political infrastructure and cultural ties to America.
The U.S. has been an important partner in Liberia’s development since the country’s founding. Assistance began flowing in 1961, as it became one of the first countries to receive USAID help. This critical support has led directly to strengthening the nation’s economy. One of the first things you notice in Liberia is the influence of American culture. Street signs, cabs, and school buses over there look almost exactly like NYC street signs, cabs, and school buses.
Yet despite these historical connections, recent months have called into question whether and how this legacy is honored—or even acknowledged—in today’s political climate. His allusion to the purported incompetence of African leaders just sounds very disrespectful and arrogant of His Excellency Trump.
Mixed Reactions to Trump’s Remarks
Responses to Trump’s praise have varied widely among Liberians. Others see it as an insulting statement that has to do with the lack of dignity associated with African leaders. Foday Massaquio voiced his concerns, stating:
“Joseph Boakai was not praised. He was mocked by the greatest president in the world, who is leading the greatest country in the world.”
Abraham Julian Wennah noted that such comments often carry a connotation of surprise at African leaders’ intellectual capabilities:
“To some, the comment may carry a whiff of condescension, echoing a longstanding Western tendency to express surprise when African leaders display intellectual fluency.”
Kula Fofana expressed a more positive interpretation, emphasizing the importance of focusing on substantive discussions:
“We find it a good thing that President Trump is commending our president for his way of speaking and the clarity he provided during the meeting.”
Even with continued support for Boakai this is a troubling sign, especially considering how these types of comments will play on the international and local stage.
The Future of Liberia-U.S. Relations
As Liberia works to reestablish its close ties with the U.S., government officials are quick to point out that it’s not a return to patronage. Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti expressed confidence in strengthening ties between the two nations:
“Our linguistic heritage is deeply American-influenced, & this was simply recognised by Donald Trump. We remain committed to strengthening Liberia-US ties, built on mutual respect, shared values, and meaningful partnership.”
Liberia, too, is very much interested in developing a deeper bilateral relationship with the U.S. Finally, we all hope these relationships from last week will deepen into true dialogue and collaboration, beyond just the surface-level connections.
