United States President, Donald Trump, raised eyebrows on Wednesday during a White House luncheon with African leaders after complimenting Liberian President, Joseph Boakai, on his “good English.”

The exchange occurred during a diplomatic gathering aimed at strengthening U.S.-Africa relations. After Boakai delivered brief remarks, Trump leaned in with an unexpected question.

Trump asked, “Thank you, and such good English… Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where were you educated?”

President Boakai, a seasoned business graduate and statesman who, like most Liberians, speaks English as a first language, responded calmly that he was educated in his home country. Facing away from the cameras, his muted reply suggested discomfort.

Unfazed, Trump continued to comment on Boakai’s speech, “It’s beautiful English. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well,” he added, drawing a mix of chuckles and raised brows among guests that included French-speaking leaders from across West Africa.

Liberia, founded in the 19th century by freed African-American slaves repatriated to Africa by the American Colonisation Society, declared independence in 1847. English was established as the official language, and its early leaders modelled the country’s political structure after that of the United States.

Today, while the country boasts a rich tapestry of indigenous languages, including Kpelle, Mende, and Kissi, English remains the lingua franca and language of instruction. President Boakai is also literate in several native languages but primarily communicates in English.