US President Donald Trump is often in the news for his strange statements, but this time he surprised everyone by praising an African president’s style of speaking English. Trump asked Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai – Where did you learn such good English? Many people present there were surprised to hear this, because English is the official language of Liberia.
Donald Trump’s praise for speaking English also went viral on social media. Many people called it the United States’ lack of understanding of Africa, while some called Trump’s comment a mixture of humor and ignorance. In this meeting, Trump also met the heads of state of five African countries – Liberia, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Senegal.
Joseph Boakai: A 40-year long political journey
Joseph Nyuma Boakai is the 26th President of Liberia. He assumed power in the country in January 2024. Prior to this, he had been the Vice President during the tenure of Liberia’s first female President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf from 2006 to 2018. Boakai also has experience of working as Agriculture Minister, when he held this post from 1983 to 1985. In 2017, he contested the presidential election for the first time but lost to footballer-turned-politician George Weah. But in 2023, he made a comeback and defeated Weah in the second round of voting to gain power in the country.
Experience comes with age, but health remains a matter of concern
79-year-old Boakai is Liberia’s oldest president. Questions have been raised many times about his age and health. When he took the oath of office as President in 2024, he had to be taken off the stage due to heat and exhaustion and he could not complete his speech. Despite this, he has been constantly giving the message that his leadership is based on stability and experience.
An example was set by cutting government salaries
After becoming president, Boakai took a decision that made him a topic of discussion among the public. He cut his salary from $13,400 to $8,000 annually. In African politics, where leaders are often accused of leading a lavish lifestyle, Boakai’s move was seen as a sign of simplicity and accountability.
