Trump Threatens to Cut Aid to South Africa Over Land Reform Law

South African President Ramaphosa denies claims of land confiscation, emphasizing the constitutional basis of the Expropriation Act.

President Donald Trump announced plans to halt U.S. funding to South Africa, alleging land confiscation and unfair treatment of certain groups, though he provided no evidence for these claims.
South Africa's recently adopted Expropriation Act allows for land expropriation in the public interest but requires a legal process and agreement, with provisions for nil compensation in specific cases.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa firmly denied any government-sanctioned land seizures, describing the law as a tool to address racial disparities in land ownership stemming from apartheid-era policies.
Elon Musk, a Trump ally and South Africa-born billionaire, criticized the law as promoting 'racist ownership laws,' while his father confirmed facilitating a call between Musk and Ramaphosa to discuss the issue.
The diplomatic tension has raised concerns about the future of U.S.-South Africa relations, with South African officials warning of potential economic repercussions, including a review of mineral exports to the U.S.