8 hours Ago
At a live-press conference, President Trump—in response to a question about whether white South African farmers were being killed and persecuted, a claim that you should know by now is thoroughly debunked over the years—brought up the allegations nonetheless. He played a video of crosses that represented murdered farmers, and a clip of the opposition leader Julius Malema singing an incendiary song. Trump did not say where the video was filmed, but implied the video showed a great injustice against white farmers.
Calmly, Ramaphosa replied that South Africa’s political system includes the ways for free speech and the language of the opposition did not represent the policies of government. He mentioned white members of his delegation—golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, and billionaire Johann Rupert—to counter accusations that white South Africans are victims of widespread violence. “If there was a genocide, these three gentlemen would not be here,” he said.
Trump: White South Africans Are Being Killed On The Reg “I have asked Secretary of State to closely study the South Africa land and farm seizures and expropriations and the large scale killing of farmers.8711 people have signed up (updated to 13, 107 after I wrote this, and they are mostly genocidal racists).Trump even referenced the notion of a “large scale killing of farmers”The response, it must be said, has been a touch predictable.EVERY. Ramaphosa hit back, saying the new land legislation provides for expropriation without compensation in the public interest, and that no land has been expropriated under the act.
Background of Escalating Tensions and Its Aftermath
The clash added to pressure on South Africa over the U.S. decision to give asylum to 59 white South Africans, a move that had already led to uncomfortable diplomatic discussions. Ramaphosa labeled the asylum seekers “cowards” and sought to refocus the visit on strengthening trade ties, now especially with U.S. import tax changes scheduled for July.
The exchange turned more serious after Trump evoked violent crimes and alleged white farmers were not receiving fair treatment. Ramaphosa has recognized that crime in the country is high but said violence affects all South Africans and that most of the victims are Black South Africans. Crime statistics indicate that nearly 10,000 murders were committed in South Africa between October and December 2024, 12 of them in farm attacks — one a farmer and others farm dwellers and workers, almost certainly Black.
But despite Trump’s pressure, Ramaphosa resisted, evoking the legacy of Nelson Mandela and stressing South Africa’s dedication to racial reconciliation. Asked if there would be a white farmer exodus, a reporter’s question was batted to Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, who said most famers would prefer to stay.
Aftermath and Reactions
Following the heated meeting, opposition leader Julius Malema said that the incident was to be treated as gossip, and former US ambassador Patrick Gaspard condemned the incident as a humiliating being unleashed on South Africa. Afrikaner group AfriForum denied creating the video that was screened but said it had used some of the footage in previous projects, and it highlighted unpalatable home truths that had to be discussed.
Diplomatic relations have grown even more frayed in recent months. A land expropriation law was signed by Ramaphosa right after Trump was inaugurated to a second term in January. The United States retaliated by suspending aid to South Africa and encouraging more Afrikaners to move to America.His political flyting with Trump grew even stronger when, in March, the United States’ Ambassador in Washington D.C. was sent off for being found complicit in promoting a white supremacist agenda.
Stay informed with Newsbuck – your go-to destination for the latest global news, trends, and updates across politics, entertainment, health, tech, and more. Explore smarter stories every day at Newsbuck.
