US President Donald Trump on Friday said his government is suspending all federal financial aid to South Africa, ratcheting up tensions between the two countries. South Africa responded by dismissing what it called “megaphone diplomacy” and reaffirming its dedication to having a respectful bilateral relationship with Washington.
Trump earlier signed an executive order last month suspending US aid to South Africa, citing its opposition to its land reform agenda and its case of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Going a step further, Trump announced in a Truth Social post that white South African farmers who have safety issues would be accepted into the US through a fast-tracked citizenship process. “This process will start immediately,” he announced.
Upon questioning Trump’s statements, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, indicated that the government would not enter into public arguments. Magwenya again insisted that South Africa is committed to building a constructive relationship with the US on the principles of respect, sovereignty, and independence.
Ownership of land is a disputed issue in South Africa, with white owners retaining 75% of freehold agricultural land, even though they represent merely 8% of the country’s population. Meanwhile, Black South Africans, who account for 80% of the country’s population, possess only 4%, a 2017 land audit indicates. To balance the gap, Ramaphosa signed a law in January granting the government power to expropriate land without compensation in specified cases.
US had committed $323.4 million of foreign aid to South Africa in 2024, government records show. Trump’s move to withdraw this support is a big change in the relationship between the US and South Africa in the midst of geopolitical tensions.
