Marco Rubio has declared that South Africa's ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome, accusing him of being a divisive figure who harbors animosity towards America and former President Donald Trump. The ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, is being expelled from Washington, with Rubio stating on social media that Rasool is persona non grata due to his alleged disdain for the US and Trump.
Rubio's comments were linked to a report about a recent webinar where Rasool discussed the Trump administration's policies in the context of America's changing demographics. During the webinar, Rasool criticized Elon Musk's connections with far-right groups in Europe, describing it as part of a broader effort to unite those who feel they are part of a beleaguered white community.
The US State Department has given Rasool until March 21 to leave the country. Rasool, a former anti-apartheid activist who was imprisoned for his efforts and later became a politician with the African National Congress, is facing expulsion—a rare action against an ambassador by the US.
South Africa's government expressed disappointment over the expulsion and called for diplomatic decorum. This incident is the latest in a series of escalating tensions between Washington and Pretoria. Earlier this year, Trump halted US aid to South Africa, citing a controversial land reform law. He also invited South African farmers to relocate to the US, offering them a fast track to citizenship, amid claims of land confiscation from white farmers.
Elon Musk, a South African-born billionaire and Trump ally, has criticized South Africa's government for what he describes as discriminatory ownership laws. The country, still grappling with the legacy of apartheid, remains deeply unequal, with wealth and land predominantly in the hands of the white minority.
Some white South Africans argue they face discrimination due to affirmative action policies. Despite a positive initial interaction between Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, relations have since deteriorated. During a recent webinar, Rasool discussed the Trump administration's stance on diversity and immigration, highlighting demographic changes in the US and their political implications.