The Trump administration has labeled South Africa's Ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool, as "persona non grata," with Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing his expulsion. Rubio accused Rasool of harboring anti-American and anti-Trump sentiments. This move is part of ongoing tensions between the U.S. and South Africa since Trump's presidency began.
In a heated post on social media, Rubio criticized Rasool as a "race baiting politician" following remarks Rasool made during an online seminar. Rasool suggested that the MAGA movement is partly a reaction to demographic changes in the U.S., where the white population is projected to become less than half of the electorate.
The South African government quickly responded, expressing regret over the expulsion and emphasizing the importance of maintaining diplomatic decorum. Presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya reiterated South Africa's commitment to fostering a positive relationship with the U.S.
Relations between the two countries have been strained, especially after Trump made unfounded claims about South Africa seizing land from white farmers and offered asylum to white Afrikaners. Despite these claims, no land has been confiscated, although South Africa is working on land reform.
Trump also halted financial aid to South Africa, citing alleged persecution of Afrikaners and South Africa's legal actions against Israel. Last month, Rubio skipped the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting hosted by South Africa, citing disagreements over the agenda, which included diversity and climate change topics. Similarly, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent did not attend a G20 Finance Ministers meeting in Cape Town for similar reasons.
Elon Musk, a South African-born adviser to Trump, has criticized South Africa's ownership laws, which he claims hinder his ability to expand his Starlink service there due to affirmative action requirements.
Rasool previously served as South Africa's ambassador to the U.S. from 2010 to 2015. His family was forcibly removed from their home during apartheid, and he became an active figure in the anti-apartheid movement. In his controversial webinar speech, Rasool emphasized the need for South Africa to approach the Trump administration with caution and diplomacy.