Major second-hand embarrassment was suffered by White House attendees yesterday, after Donald Trump praised a world leader whose country's official language is English for his 'good' mastery of the language.
Trump, 79, invited a number of fellow presidents and prime ministers from West Africa to his Washington D.C. residence for a three-day mini summit on Wednesday (9 July).
The group gathered for a state dinner with the aim of discussing both political and economic relations, as well as 'commercial opportunities' between their countries and North America.
The Republican began conversations by praising leaders from the likes of Senegal, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Gabon, telling them: "There's great economic potential in Africa, like few other places."
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Trump added that West Africa has 'very valuable lands, great minerals, great oil deposits', before going on to say that American's approach would be shifting from aid to trade.
"In the long run this will be far more effective and sustainable and beneficial than anything else that we could be doing together," he went on.
The president then turned his attention to Liberian leader Joseph Boakai, who was also on the powerful guest list.
During lunch, the American shocked attendees by asking 80-year-old Boakai - the 26th president of the country, who ascended to the position last year - where he learned to speak English.
After Boakai thanked Trump for his hospitality, the right-wing leader responded by telling him: "Thank you, and such good English, it's beautiful.
"Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?"
He then prompted the Liberian further, asking, 'Were you educated? Where?', seemingly unaware that English is the African country's official language. "Yes, sir," Boakai simply responded.
"That’s very interesting," Trump continued. "It’s beautiful language. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well."
For those in need of a reminder, whilst over 30 languages are spoken in Liberia - 20 being indigenous - English is the most common due to the country's colonised history.
It declared its independence from the American Colonization Society in 1847.
Naturally, Trump has since been criticised for his painful error after a clip of the awkward exchange was shared on social media: "Just wow. Read a book, sir."
Another questioned: "Doesn't someone brief him before he meets with anyone?!
"I hate that he’s the face of our nation," another admitted. "How freakin' embarrassing."
A fourth made the point: "This is so triggering even as a black American - it’s the equivalent to saying 'you’re so articulate'."
"What amazing foreign relations and diplomacy. Not embarrassing at all," a fifth jibed.
"This cannot be real!" another noted.
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News, News
Rhianna Benson