Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he would cut off funding to South Africa, claiming without citing evidence that “certain classes of people” in the country were being mistreated. His statement, made in a post on Truth Social, signaled a potential shift in U.S.-South Africa relations.
Trump’s Allegations and Funding Threat
Trump alleged that land was being confiscated in South Africa and that some groups were facing severe discrimination.
“South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY,” Trump wrote.
He further stated that the U.S. government would take action, including suspending financial aid to South Africa, until the issue was thoroughly examined.
“The United States won’t stand for it, we will act. Also, I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!” he added.
It remains unclear what prompted Trump’s remarks, as he did not provide details or evidence to support his claims.
South Africa Yet to Respond
The South African embassy in Washington, D.C., did not respond to a request for comment outside of regular business hours.
According to the most recent U.S. government data, South Africa received nearly $440 million in American assistance in 2023. If Trump follows through with his threat, it could significantly impact aid programs between the two nations.
South Africa currently holds the G20 presidency, a role that will transition to the United States after its term concludes.
Ramaphosa Downplays Concerns
Last month, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that he was not concerned about the country’s relationship with Trump. He mentioned that he had spoken to Trump following his election victory and expressed optimism about working with his administration.
Historical Context and Prior Claims
During his first administration, Trump had raised concerns about alleged large-scale killings of white farmers and violent land seizures in South Africa. At the time, Pretoria dismissed his claims as misinformed. It remains unclear whether the U.S. government ever conducted an investigation into the matter.
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Trump’s recent comments also reignite a debate that billionaire Elon Musk, a South Africa-born entrepreneur and Trump ally, previously weighed in on. In 2023, Musk responded on X to a video of the far-left South African political party EFF singing an old anti-apartheid song, “Kill the Boer”, by stating: “They are openly pushing for genocide of white people in South Africa.”
Implications for U.S.-South Africa Relations
Trump’s remarks and his threat to withhold funding could escalate tensions between Washington and Pretoria. If implemented, a funding cut may have broad consequences, particularly in areas where U.S. assistance supports health, education, and economic initiatives in South Africa.
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With the U.S. set to assume the G20 presidency next, any shifts in policy towards South Africa could have diplomatic ramifications. As of now, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s call for an investigation will lead to official action.
