Featured Image Credit: DRM News/YouTube
Topics: Donald Trump, US News, Politics
Callum Jones
Donald Trump is certainly no stranger to awkward interviews, but a recent discussion with the president of Liberia is surely the most painful watch ever.
The POTUS invited African leaders for a lunch in the State Dining Room in the White House this week, including President of Liberia, Joseph Boakai.
During lunch, Trump asked Boakai where he learned to speak the language so well, which is a bit awkward considering Liberia's official language is English.
“Thank you, and such good English,” the Republican president said as the Liberian leader delivered his initial remarks.
Advert
“Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?" Trump then asked.
"Were you educated? Where?"
Boakai responded: "Yes, sir."
The POTUS then went on to ask the Liberian president whether he learnt English in his home country, to which he confirmed.
Trump then continued: "That’s very interesting. It’s beautiful language. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well."
The interaction has gone viral, and it appears the whole of the internet is in agreement with this one.
"This is so embarrassing," one person penned on Twitter, while a second added: "Country ran by idiots."
Meanwhile, a third remarked: "Does Trump ever not embarrass our country on the global stage?"
While more than 30 languages are spoken in Liberia, English is the official language following its days as a private colony of the American Colonization Society.
The country, which was founded by African Americans, declared its independence in 1847.
While German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was also complimented by Trump for his 'very good' English, others haven't been so lucky. The president has frequently said he can't 'understand' reporters' accents when taking questions abroad.
During a press conference with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said of a reporter: "I can’t understand a word he’s saying. It’s the accent. It’s a little bit tough for me to hear that."
Trump also told an Afghan reporter that she had a 'beautiful voice and a beautiful accent'.
“The only problem is I can’t understand a word you’re saying,” he added. “But I just say this — Good luck. Live in peace.”
While there have been some press conferences leaving many feeling embarrassed, there have also been some pretty tense and serious discussions to have taken place in the White House since Trump returned to power in January.
The president's heated exchange with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy is an obvious one that comes to mind.