While the Trump administration called the president's remarks a "heartfelt compliment," Liberians watching the event said his statements were "ridiculing."

Trump lauded Liberia's visiting President Joseph Boakai for having "such good English," apparently not realizing that it is both Boakai and his nation's primary language.

Trump made the remarks at a White House meeting with the leaders of several African nations. Many Liberians are the descendants of freed American slaves.