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The Trump administration's rare diplomatic action has further strained relations with South Africa as it seeks to address the fallout.

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U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce speaks during her first press briefing at the State Department in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 6, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
FILE - South Africa's ambassador to the U.S. Ebrahim Rasool speaks at the South African Embassy in Washington, Dec. 6, 2013. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File)
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Overview

  • The Trump administration declared South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool persona non grata after he accused President Trump of leading a white supremacist movement.
  • South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed regret over the expulsion, emphasizing the importance of maintaining diplomatic decorum and relations with the U.S.
  • The incident follows tensions over South Africa's foreign policies, including its ICJ case against Israel and land expropriation laws, which the U.S. has criticized as anti-white and anti-American.
  • Rasool had struggled to secure meetings with U.S. officials and faced criticism for his perceived pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel stance.
  • South Africa is now scrambling to appoint a new ambassador, while the U.S. has given Rasool until Friday to leave the country.