DailySun
Johannesburg – The relationship between the Trump Administration and South Africa has worsened following comments made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the South African ambassador in Washington.
In a post on X, Rubio effectively labeled South Africa’s Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool as unwelcome in the United States, stating: “South Africa’s ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country.”
“Ebrahim Rasool is a race-baiting politician who harbors disdain for America and for @POTUS,” he continued.
“We have no matters to discuss, so he is designated as PERSONA NON GRATA.”
Rubio’s remarks appear to have been provoked by comments made by the ambassador in Johannesburg that criticized the Trump administration.
Nonetheless, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation has chosen not to engage in a public dispute.
Department spokesperson Chris Phiri commented on X: “We have taken note of the tweet by the US Secretary of State Mr. Marco Rubio. Engagement will occur through diplomatic channels.”
In a related development last month, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order terminating aid to South Africa, citing “very bad things” occurring in the country.
Trump has shown strong disapproval of South Africa’s Expropriation Act and has even proposed granting refugee status in the US to white South Africans.
During a Questions for Oral Reply session in the National Assembly on Tuesday, (11 March 2025), President Cyril Ramaphosa remarked: “South Africa actively engages with the United States through various political, diplomatic, and economic avenues.”
“We have taken note of the Executive Order and recent comments from the current US administration concerning South Africa and our domestic and foreign policies.”
“We have expressed our concerns regarding the misrepresentation of the situation in South Africa, addressing certain [aspects] of our laws and foreign policy positions.”
