Washington, D.C. – July 10, 2025 — Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump on Wednesday held a multilateral luncheon at the White House with five heads of state from West Africa, declaring a bold shift in U.S. foreign policy away from aid and toward economic partnerships. The surprise meeting comes amid mounting criticism over Trump’s dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has historically supported healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation programs across the African continent.
Trump hosted the presidents of Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau, describing the gathering as an opportunity to “build stronger economic ties” while defending his administration’s controversial shift away from humanitarian assistance.
“We are shifting from A-I-D to trade,” Trump told the leaders during opening remarks, sparking debate among policy experts and humanitarian organizations.
According to a recent study published in The Lancet medical journal, Trump’s cuts to global development programs are projected to result in over 14 million additional deaths worldwide by 2030, including 4.5 million children. The findings have alarmed health advocates who warn that reductions in U.S. funding for vaccine programs, maternal health, and HIV/AIDS treatment will disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in Africa.
Trump: “There’s a Lot of Anger on Your Continent”
At the beginning of the meeting, Trump made a characteristically blunt assessment of the African continent’s socio-political state.
“There’s a lot of anger on your continent,” he said, without elaborating. “We’ve been able to solve a lot of it,” he added, referring to a recent peace agreement signed between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda at the White House.
While critics viewed the comment as tone-deaf, the attending African leaders responded diplomatically, each taking a moment to thank Trump for his efforts toward regional peacebuilding and for hosting the high-level discussion.
Senegal’s President Offers a Golf Invite
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, the youngest elected head of state on the continent, used his brief remarks to pivot to business and tourism. He touted Senegal as a promising destination for investment and even suggested the development of a golf course that might pique Trump’s personal interest.
“Senegal has incredible tourism potential,” Faye said. “We would welcome your visit to play golf — it’s just six hours from New York. It would send a strong signal of friendship.”
Trump, an avid golfer and former real estate mogul, nodded in approval, though did not confirm any immediate travel plans.
Trump Surprised by Boakai’s Fluent English
One of the more awkward moments of the meeting came after President Joseph Boakai of Liberia concluded his opening remarks. Trump, seemingly surprised by the Liberian leader’s eloquence, asked where he had learned to speak so well.
“Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?” Trump asked.
When Boakai replied, “In Liberia,” Trump quipped, “I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”
Though some in the room laughed politely, the remark stirred a wave of criticism online, with many accusing Trump of racial insensitivity and ignorance regarding Africa’s English-speaking countries — particularly Liberia, which was founded by freed American slaves and has English as its official language.
Past Controversies Resurface
This is not the first time Trump’s statements about Africa have sparked international backlash. During his first term as president, he notoriously referred to Haiti and several African nations as “shithole countries,” prompting condemnation from the African Union and global leaders.
Though Wednesday’s meeting aimed to reset relations, some observers argue that Trump’s remarks continue to reflect a lack of understanding or diplomatic tact in dealing with African counterparts.
“His language might be packaged as ‘plainspoken,’ but it often comes across as dismissive or offensive,” said Dr. Kweku Badu, a political science professor at the University of Ghana. “This luncheon may be symbolic, but real trust requires respect and consistency.”
African Leaders Walk a Tightrope
Despite the controversial undertones, the attending West African leaders chose to focus on the positives. For nations struggling with economic stagnation, youth unemployment, and infrastructure deficits, any potential U.S. trade investment remains highly attractive.
“Africa is ready to trade, to build, to grow,” said President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, calling for “win-win partnerships” that prioritize African industries and innovation.
President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania emphasized the need for deeper cooperation in renewable energy, climate adaptation, and education — sectors previously supported through U.S. aid.
Meanwhile, President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon, who took power in a 2023 coup, called for “mutual respect” and “equal footing” in future U.S.-Africa relations.
“Let us not talk only of what Africa needs. Let us also ask what Africa can offer,” Nguema said.
From Aid to Trade: What’s Next?
Trump’s approach represents a major departure from past U.S. administrations — both Republican and Democratic — which historically provided Africa with billions in development aid through USAID, PEPFAR (the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), and the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
By drastically reducing aid and prioritizing investment and trade, Trump argues that the continent can be uplifted through private sector growth. However, analysts caution that this assumes stable governance, strong institutions, and equal bargaining power — all of which remain uneven across West Africa.
“Shifting from aid to trade sounds empowering, but it could leave the poorest behind,” warned Ngozi Okonkwo, an Abuja-based development economist. “Most small African economies are not equipped to negotiate with multinationals on equal terms.”
A Symbolic but Contentious Gathering
In the end, the luncheon provided a rare moment of high-level engagement between the Trump-led U.S. government and West African states. While smiles, handshakes, and photo-ops were plentiful, the underlying issues — from humanitarian needs to controversial rhetoric — remain deeply complex.
As one senior diplomat put it: “This meeting was less about policy and more about optics. But for a region as strategically important as West Africa, optics still matter.”
Reporting by Africa Live News. For more coverage on U.S.-Africa relations, diplomacy, and West African affairs, visit www.africalivenews.com.
