Trump Halts Aid to South Africa and Calls for Refugee Resettlement of White Afrikaners
President Donald Trump signed an executive order halting all U.S. aid to South Africa and directing his administration to develop a plan for resettling White Afrikaners as refugees. He cited "government-sponsored race-based discrimination" against them.
The order accuses South Africa's government of seizing agricultural property from ethnic minority Afrikaners without compensation, claiming that numerous government policies dismantle equal opportunity in employment, education, and business.
Additionally, it highlights South African leaders' aggressive positions towards the U.S. and its allies, mentioning accusations of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice and improved relations with Iran.
The executive order states, "The United States cannot support the government of South Africa's commission of rights violations" and their actions that undermine U.S. foreign policy.
Trump's remarks come amidst escalating tensions, as he has alleged that the South African government is "seizing White-owned land" and persecuting White farmers. However, South African officials assert that these measures aim to rectify disparities left by apartheid.
Under apartheid, land ownership inequalities favored White South Africans, who own about 75% of farmland, despite comprising only 8% of the population. In contrast, Black South Africans account for 80% of the population but own just 4% of farmland, according to a 2017 land audit.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa countered Trump's comments, clarifying that the law in question is a constitutionally mandated legal process, not a confiscation tool. In response to Trump's allegations, he asserted, "We will not be bullied."
The executive order also halts nearly $440 million in U.S. aid, which predominantly supports HIV/AIDS treatment in South Africa. This abrupt cessation of aid is forecasted to adversely impact public health programs.
In addition to cutting aid, Trump's order requires the State Department and Department of Homeland Security to design a plan for resettling White South Africans as refugees, marking a significant exception to Trump's strict immigration policies.
While it's uncertain if Elon Musk influenced the order, the billionaire was born in South Africa and has repeatedly claimed anti-White racism from its government. Musk recently criticized Ramaphosa's policies, leading to a call between them to discuss misinformation about South Africa.
Officials in South Africa, including Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, have suggested the country might use its mineral exports—such as gold and platinum—as leverage in negotiations.
