
Liberia responds to Trump's English remark with humour and pride
The incident has since inspired a viral tribute song celebrating Boakai as the 'English King of Africa.'
During a White House summit with African leaders, Trump praised Boakai's English skills, seemingly unaware that English is Liberia's official language.
Boakai, who was educated in Liberia, responded with an awkward laugh.
Liberian foreign minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti confirmed no offence was taken, emphasising Liberia's desire to strengthen US ties through mutual respect.
Liberia, founded by freed American slaves in 1822, has deep historical connections with the US.
Singer and former cultural ambassador Queen Juli Endee released a song praising Boakai, calling him the 'Beautiful English King of Africa.'
The video, featuring US flags and images of both leaders, has gained traction online.
Public reactions in Liberia were mixed. Shadrach Johnson, an unemployed resident, saw Boakai's invitation as progress.
However, street trader Patience Allison viewed Trump's comment as disrespectful, saying it mocked the president. - AFP

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Cambodia genocide survivors 'thrilled' at new Unesco status
FILE PHOTO: Cambodian students of Royal University of Fine Arts reenact torture and execution by the Khmer Rouge during their reign of terror in the 1970s, in an event hosted by the ruling Cambodian People's Party to mark the annual Day of Anger at Choeung Ek, a former Khmer Rouge "killing field," on the outskirt of Phnom Penh, Cambodia Wednesday, May 20, 2015. This is one of three notorious Cambodian torture and execution sites used by the Khmer Rouge regime to perpetrate genocide 50 years ago, which were inscribed on Unesco's World Heritage List. - AP PHNOM PENH: Survivors of Cambodia's four-year genocide on Saturday (July 12) told AFP they were "thrilled" that the site of their lives' biggest horror has gained Unesco recognition. Three notorious Cambodian torture and execution sites used by the Khmer Rouge regime to perpetrate genocide 50 years ago were inscribed on Unesco's World Heritage List on Friday. One of the sites, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in the capital, is a former high school which was converted into a notorious prison known as S-21, where an estimated 15,000 people were imprisoned and tortured. "I am so thrilled," said Chum Mey, one of just a handful of S-21 survivors who now sells his memoirs in the prison compound where he says he was beaten, electrocuted and starved. "The listing by Unesco reminds me of the torture against me," he said. The two other sites are Choeung Ek Genocide Centre, also in the capital, and another site known as M-13 in a rural area in central Kampong Chhnang province. "I am so happy and excited that Unesco recognises Tuol Sleng museum, Choeung Ek, and M-13," Chum Mey said. "This is for the next generations." Around two million people died of starvation, forced labour or torture or were slaughtered in mass killings between 1975 and 1979. On Saturday, students and tourists walked through the black-and-white mugshots of Tuol Sleng's many victims and the preserved equipment used by Khmer Rouge tormentors. Khuon Sovann lost more than ten relatives to the genocide. The 82-year-old and her older sister prayed for her late brother-in-law with offerings of food and water in front of an inscription of victims' names. She said the Unesco listing was "good" and would help preserve the site. "I am happy that what we Cambodians suffered is now recognised by the international community," she told AFP. The Cambodian culture ministry on Friday issued a statement saying the inscription acknowledged the kingdom's efforts at "transforming a land once ravaged by war and genocide... into a place of peace and dignity". Norng Chanphal, 55, survived S-21 as a child and returns to the site every day to sell his memoirs and feel close to his mother who died there. He said he was "so glad" and "excited" that Tuol Sleng - a place of bitter memories where many lost everything - had earned Unesco recognition. Norng Chanphal hoped the recognition would allow Tuol Sleng to exist forever and serve as a reminder "to prevent such a regime from happening in Cambodia again". He said the site was "a lesson of life for people around the world to clearly understand the regime", adding Unesco recognition offered some justice to the souls of his mother and other victims of Tuol Sleng. - AFP


The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
US, India in talks on deal that may cut tariff below 20%
India and the US have dug in their heels over a few key issues including Washington's demand that India open its market to genetically modified crops - an ask New Delhi has rejected, citing risks to its farmers. - Bloomberg WASHINGTON: The US is working toward an interim trade deal with India that may reduce its proposed tariffs to below 20 per cent, people familiar with the matter said, putting the South Asian nation in a favourable position against its peers in the region. India doesn't expect to receive a tariff demand letter - unlike many other nations this week - and anticipates the trade arrangement will be announced through a statement, the people said, asking not to be identified because the discussions are private. The interim deal would allow for continued talks, giving New Delhi space to resolve outstanding issues ahead of a broader agreement expected this fall, they said. The statement would likely set a baseline tariff below 20 per cent - compared with 26 per cent initially proposed - with language that would allow the two sides to continue negotiating the rate as part of the final pact, the people said. The timing of an interim agreement is unclear. If finalised, India would be on a short list of trading partners that have secured deals with the Trump administration. US President Donald Trump has otherwise shocked dozens of trading partners this week by announcing tariff rates of as high as 50 per cent in some cases ahead of an Aug. 1 deadline. India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry didn't respond to an email seeking further information. The White House and Commerce Department also did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The US$10.2 billion iShares MSCI India pared losses after the report of an interim trade deal. New Delhi is seeking to secure a deal on more favourable terms than the one Trump said he signed with Vietnam, which included 20 per cent import duties. However, Vietnam was caught off guard by that rate, and is still seeking to bring it down. The UK is the only other country that Trump has announced a trade deal with. On Thursday, Trump told NBC News he's eyeing blanket tariffs of 15 to 20 per cent on most trading partners who haven't been informed yet of their rates. The current global baseline minimum levy for nearly all US trading partners is ten per cent. Tariff rates announced for Asian nations so far range from 20 per cent for Vietnam and the Philippines to 40 per cent for Laos and Myanmar. India was among the first nations to approach the White House for trade talks this year, but signs of strain have emerged in recent weeks. While Trump said earlier this week that an agreement with India is close, he has also threatened additional tariffs over the country's participation in the BRICS group. A team of Indian negotiators is expected to visit Washington soon to advance the talks. India has already put forward its best offer to the Trump administration, making clear the red lines it won't cross in finalising an agreement, Bloomberg News previously reported. Both sides have dug in their heels over a few key issues including Washington's demand that India open its market to genetically modified crops - an ask New Delhi has rejected, citing risks to its farmers. The two nations are yet to find a landing zone on contentious issues, including non-tariff barriers in agriculture and regulatory processes in the pharmaceutical industry, people familiar with the matter said. - Bloomberg


The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Trump attends FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey
BEDMINSTER: US President Donald Trump will attend the FIFA Club World Cup final this Sunday, marking his latest engagement with football as a tool for political influence. The match between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium serves as a precursor to next year's World Cup final at the same venue. Trump has framed major sporting events, including the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, as symbols of his 'Golden Age of America' vision. His relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also played a role, with the Club World Cup trophy displayed in the Oval Office since Infantino's March visit. The president's interest in football appears personal as well. His son Barron is a fan, and Trump himself reportedly played the sport during his time at the New York Military Academy. Infantino noted, 'When you are a parent, you love what your children love, so I think that he loves it.' Despite football's growing popularity in the US, it still trails behind American football, basketball, and baseball. Yet Trump's attendance aligns with his focus on global influence. He previously highlighted that the US secured the 2026 World Cup hosting rights during his first term. The expanded Club World Cup has drawn 2.5 million spectators nationwide, exceeding expectations. Infantino praised Trump's support, joking that the president 'certainly loves the trophy,' which matches the Oval Office's gilded aesthetic. However, Trump's football enthusiasm has not been without controversy. During a meeting with Juventus, he questioned whether women could compete in men's football, prompting a diplomatic response from the club. His immigration policies have also raised concerns about fan attendance for the 2026 World Cup, with Vice President JD Vance stating visitors must 'go home' after the tournament - AFP