By: John S. Morlu II, CPA
A businessman’s reflection on free branding, forgotten history, and a moment worth seizing.
President Trump — the dealmaker, the marketer, the master of viral moments — has just done for Liberia what no lobbying firm, aid package, or PR agency could ever pull off.
In just two words — “beautiful English” — he’s rebranded an entire country.
Yes. That country. Liberia.
A Quick History Many Forget
Liberia isn’t just “another African country.”
It was founded by freed Black Americans in the 1800s — men and women who left the brutal legacy of U.S. slavery to return to Africa and form a republic based on American ideals, values, and, yes… language.
The capital city is Monrovia — named after James Monroe, the 5th President of the United States. Liberia’s flag? Nearly identical to the American flag, with red and white stripes and a lone white star. The currency? The Liberian dollar, but U.S. dollars are also accepted everywhere.
Liberia is the only African country never colonized by a European power. It declared independence in 1847, while most of Africa was still under foreign rule. That’s unique.
A Fact Most Don’t Know
Back in 2020, under the Trump administration, a little-known clause in the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act granted green cards and a path to citizenship for thousands of Liberians living in the U.S.
All they had to do?
- Fill out a simple form
- Pay around $1,000 in fees
The catch?
They had one year to do it.
Sadly, the Liberian government at the time did not step in with meaningful support — leaving many stranded. Families who’d been in America for decades missed the deadline because they couldn’t afford the fee or didn’t get the guidance.
Fun Fact: That provision was called the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (LRIF) — and it passed quietly, tucked into a massive defense bill.
Then Came That Moment…
Now, four years later — Trump, in his unpredictable way, did something most unexpected.
While speaking at a gathering with African leaders, he heard President Joseph Boakai speak and paused to say:
“Beautiful English.”
That’s it.
Two words.
But they landed like thunder.
Suddenly, the internet exploded with curiosity:
- “Who is this President Boakai?”
- “Is Liberia an English-speaking country?”
- “Wow, they speak so clearly!”
From “War-torn” to “Well-spoken”
For years, Liberia’s name in international media was unfortunately linked to war, Ebola, poverty, or corruption.
But in a matter of seconds, that narrative was flipped.
Now, the image of Liberia is President Boakai speaking calmly, intelligently, and eloquently — in an accent that surprises global audiences.
People around the world — from Harlem to Helsinki — are talking about Liberia’s “beautiful English.”
Even in Kenya and Tanzania, where I recently traveled, Liberians are now being jokingly called “the Harvard of Africa.”
I’ve received dozens of messages — from African Americans, white Americans, even Europeans — reacting to that clip.
Fun Fact: Liberia was once known as the “Love of Liberty” nation, with its national motto: “The love of liberty brought us here.” It’s still on the coat of arms. That liberty is now speaking with clarity.
A Businessman’s Perspective
This is free publicity — worth hundreds of millions in brand equity.
CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, Fox, TikTok, YouTube, WhatsApp — they’re all carrying the message:
“Liberians speak beautiful English.”
That alone can:
- Attract African American tourism
- Build diaspora confidence
- Shift Liberia’s global perception
- Create pathways for investment, trade, and pride
Tidbit: According to the World Bank, Liberia’s GDP is under $4 billion — smaller than many U.S. counties. A simple narrative shift like this can change the entire arc of investor perception.
You don’t need an IMF grant for that.
You don’t need aid.
You just need smart leadership to act fast.
President Boakai Deserves Credit
What makes this even more powerful?
President Boakai is 100% Liberia-educated.
He didn’t go to Harvard. No congressional medal of honors. No Nobel prize.
He didn’t get polished by the West.
He was educated in Liberia — yes, in Liberia.
And that education was good enough to impress a U.S. President, billionaire, and global celebrity on live camera.
That subtle answer — “I was educated in Liberia.” — did more for the country’s brand than any brochure ever could.
Fun Fact: Boakai graduated from College of West Africa and University of Liberia — the same university founded in 1862, one of the oldest higher education institutions in West Africa.
Final Thought
This wasn’t just a compliment.
This was a strategic moment. A rare opportunity. A story the world is ready to hear.
Liberia is now on the global radar — not because of war or suffering — but because of character, clarity, and confidence.
If the right steps are taken, this could mark a turning point in Liberia’s international positioning.
Let’s hope the country’s leaders, businesses, and diaspora partners move with speed, purpose, and pride.
Because when Trump says something is “beautiful” — the world listens.
About the Author
John is an entrepreneur, strategist, and founder of JS Morlu, LLC, a Virginia based CPA firm with multiple software ventures including www.FinovatePro.com, www.Recksoft.com and www.Fixaars.com . With operations spanning multiple countries, John is on a mission to build global infrastructure that empowers small businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals to thrive in an increasingly competitive world. He believes in hard truths, smart execution, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. When he’s not writing or building, he’s challenging someone to a productivity contest—or inventing software that automates it.