On Friday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order freezing U.S. aid to South Africa, citing a controversial law that he claims allows for the seizure of land from white farmers. South African authorities have denied these allegations.
Trump’s executive order specifically targets the expropriation act, which he says “enables the government of South Africa to seize ethnic minority Afrikaners’ agricultural property without compensation.” The executive order also highlighted broader foreign policy tensions between the United States and South Africa, particularly regarding issues in the Middle East.
Land Ownership and Reform in South Africa
Land ownership remains a contentious issue in South Africa, with most agricultural land still owned by white farmers despite the end of apartheid more than 30 years ago. The South African government is under increasing pressure to address these disparities through land reform, but accusations of unfair property seizures have led to heated debate.
Trump further stated that the U.S. would “promote the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees escaping government-sponsored race-based discrimination,” positioning the U.S. as a protector of Afrikaners facing alleged mistreatment in South Africa.
Misinformation Claims
The South African government has rejected Trump’s claims, calling them misinformation. The expropriation act, which was signed into law last month, is part of a broader effort by the South African government to address historical land ownership inequalities.
Elon Musk’s Criticism
Trump’s ally, Elon Musk, a South African-born entrepreneur, has also weighed in on the issue. Musk has criticized South Africa’s policies, calling them “openly racist ownership laws” and citing delays in the approval of his Starlink satellite internet service. Reports suggest these delays are linked to a policy that requires major companies operating in the country to give 30 percent equity to historically disadvantaged groups.
US Government Response
In addition to Trump’s executive order, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced he would skip upcoming G20 talks in South Africa. Rubio accused the South African government of pursuing an “anti-American” agenda.
