The Government of Liberia has dismissed viral videos that ‘falsely’ claim President Joseph Nyuma Boakai made inflammatory remarks during his recent visit to the United States. These videos circulating on social media feature a man resembling Boakai, who allegedly expresses that his exchange with US President Donald Trump shocked and angered him. The individual claims that Trump questioned him about his background in English, despite English being the official language of Liberia.
The person in the video states, “I never thought I would be insulted like that in an international setting. I understand Trump’s arrogance. He impatiently urged us to speed things up multiple times during the meeting but pretended to be surprised, even though he knew that English is Liberia’s official language.”
The man, claiming to be Boakai, further alleges that discrimination and prejudice against Liberia are significant, suggesting Trump tacitly agreed that African countries should not possess good language skills or development. It is claimed that Trump was disappointed by the fact that Liberians have a rich history, receive education, and are proficient in English and its cultural implications.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah addressed the matter, acknowledging the unprecedented international attention Liberia has received, which has resulted in millions of views and widespread discussions on social media. However, Minister Piah noted that while this increased exposure is beneficial for Liberia’s image, it has also sparked controversy fueled by misleading videos that suggest the President has made outrageous or inflammatory remarks during his meetings abroad.
“There are no authentic interviews or recordings of the President making such statements. We urge all media professionals and citizens to critically evaluate content and avoid spreading misinformation,” he stated. The Minister confirmed that several reputable international media organizations have contacted the Liberian government to verify the authenticity of the circulating clips. Authorities confirmed that the President’s visit involved productive discussions with key international partners, including topics related to the International Monetary Fund and renewed political engagement with the current U.S. Administration.
This visit has positioned Liberia among the top five African countries prioritized by the U.S. government, marking a historic achievement that underscores the growing bilateral relations and diplomatic trust. Minister Piah emphasized the importance of recognizing Liberia’s progress, despite attempts by detractors to undermine the country’s positive momentum through the spread of “fake news.”
