In a surprising Oval Office encounter, U.S. President Donald Trump pressed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the controversial "white genocide" narrative sweeping parts of the country. Trump presented a video clip and a dossier of printed articles, insisting they proved systemic persecution of white South Africans.
Ramaphosa, in Washington to strengthen trade ties and ease bilateral tensions, firmly rejected the allegations. He pointed to official crime statistics showing that the majority of victims across the country are Black South Africans, and stressed that land reform measures are aimed at correcting historic injustices, not targeting specific communities.
Media outlets were stunned by the exchange. Most of Trump's talking points have "repeatedly been disproven," reported CNN. Critics have labeled the sources as propaganda from a white nationalist lobby group, questioning their credibility and impact on diplomatic relations.
The confrontation comes amid rising tension between the two nations. Earlier this year, Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Act into law, prompting Trump to accuse South Africa of "discriminating" against white landowners. In response, the U.S. suspended a major AIDS relief program and expelled the South African ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, after he criticized the administration on an international webinar.
As both sides prepare for the upcoming G20 meeting, now slated to be hosted by South Africa, policymakers on both continents are watching closely. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that President Trump will skip this year's G20 summit, citing agenda concerns tied to recent disputes.
In a joint statement, South Africa's Ministry of International Relations condemned what it called a "campaign of misinformation," urging global leaders to base their judgments on facts and historical context. For young global citizens and business leaders alike, the saga underscores how quickly unverified narratives can reshape diplomatic landscapes—and why data-driven dialogue remains crucial in today's interconnected world.
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Trump confronts South African president with conspiracy claims
cgtn.com
