Trump Threatens to Halt U.S. Aid to South Africa Over Land Reform Law

The South African government defends its land expropriation policy, while U.S. aid programs and trade relations face potential disruptions.

President Trump announced plans to cut U.S. funding to South Africa, alleging human rights violations against White South Africans under a new land expropriation law.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa refuted claims of land confiscation, emphasizing the law’s constitutional basis and its aim to address historical racial inequities in land ownership.
The U.S. provided nearly $440 million in assistance to South Africa in 2023, primarily for health programs like HIV/AIDS prevention, which could be affected by funding cuts.
South Africa's Mineral Resources Minister suggested withholding mineral exports to the U.S. as retaliation if aid is suspended, highlighting the economic stakes of the dispute.
Tensions between the U.S. and South Africa have been exacerbated by broader geopolitical issues, including South Africa’s ties to Russia and its legal actions against Israel in international courts.