Trump Freezes US Aid to South Africa Over Land Reform Dispute

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President Donald Trump announced on February 8, 2025, the suspension of U.S. aid to South Africa, citing concerns regarding the country’s land expropriation laws. Trump alleged that these laws unfairly target white Afrikaner farmers, allowing property seizures without compensation. He described the situation as racial discrimination against ethnic minority farmers and pledged to support the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees facing government-sanctioned discrimination.

This move has heightened diplomatic tensions between the United States and South Africa, as officials from Johannesburg have rejected Trump’s claims and accused him of spreading misinformation. South Africa continues to deal with the legacy of apartheid, where land ownership is still predominantly male among white citizens, leading to pressures for reforms.

The decision follows recent foreign policy disputes, including accusations of South Africa maintaining an "anti-American" stance. In related comments, Elon Musk, a South African-born entrepreneur, supported Trump's views, criticizing the South African government for what he calls "openly racist ownership laws." U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also announced he would skip upcoming G20 talks in South Africa in light of these tensions.

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