US President Donald Trump was visibly surprised by Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s fluent English during a dinner with African leaders at the White House. After Boakai praised US-Liberia relations in clear English, Trump asked, “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?” unaware that English is Liberia’s official language.

When Boakai replied that he studied in Liberia, Trump responded, “In Liberia? Very interesting. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”

Liberia, a former US colony founded in 1822, uses English as its official language.