Donald Trump has returned to the center of the controversy after starring in an awkward moment during a meeting with the leaders of Liberia, Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau and Gabon in the White House. The US president surprised to congratulate the Liberian president, Joseph Boakai, for his level of English, without taking into account that it is the official Liberia language.
“Thank you, and what a good English, how beautiful. Where did you learn to talk so well? Where? Where did you educated?”Trump asked, insisting up to three times. Boakai responded with a simple “in Liberia”, to which Trump replied: “How interesting. A beautiful English. I have people on this table that can’t speak it so well “.
Did not recognize Trump’s mistake
Although Boakai reacted with a kind smile, At no time clarified that English is not only the official language of his country, but that Liberia It was founded by liberated African -American slaves who returned from the USA in the nineteenth century. Founded in 1847, its capital, Monrovia, was baptized in honor of US President James Monroe, and his flag directly remembers that of the United States.
The situation, which was collected by media such as The Washington Post, was not the only tense moment of the meeting. In another passage, Trump showed his impatience after extensive intervention by the Mauritanian leaderwhich came to interrupt with a hand gesture and a sharp phrase.
“I have a very tight agenda, if you could say only your name and your country, it would be great”. However, his attitude changed when some African leaders came to suggest that he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize. At that time, Trump’s tone relaxed. “I didn’t know they were going to treat me so well. This is great. We could be like this all day.”
Less help and more business
In addition to the anecdotal moments, the meeting was focused on economic and commercial relations between the United States and the African countries present. Trump defended his government’s decision to close the historic USAID agency, eliminating a good part of foreign aid that was destined for humanitarian cooperation:
“We have closed the USAID because there was too much waste and abuse. We are working tirelessly for build new economic opportunities that involve both the United States and many African nations“
The impact of this measure has been especially strong in countries such as Liberia, where, according to the Center for Global Development, US aid represented up to 3 % of its national income, and was mainly allocated to HIV health and treatment programs.
Meanwhile, Trump insisted that Africa “have great economic potential” and that their countries are “vibrant places With very valuable lands, magnificent minerals, large oil deposits and wonderful people. “
