The United States has officially declared South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool persona non grata, forcing his immediate expulsion from Washington, D.C., in a move that has significantly worsened diplomatic tensions between the two nations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited Rasool’s “race-baiting” rhetoric, particularly his criticism of President Donald Trump’s policies, as the reason for the decision.
The expulsion comes amid broader hostilities between the Biden administration’s South African policy legacy and the Trump administration’s renewed focus on South Africa’s internal and foreign affairs. According to Politico, the White House decision is part of a broader strategic response to South Africa’s recent land expropriation policies, its stance at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel, and its strengthening economic and military ties with Iran.
Background: The Ebrahim Rasool Controversy
Ebrahim Rasool, a veteran African National Congress (ANC) politician, has a long history in South African politics, previously serving as the country’s Ambassador to the U.S. from 2010 to 2015 under President Jacob Zuma. His return to Washington in January 2025, under President Cyril Ramaphosa, was meant to stabilize relations with the Trump administration. However, Rasool quickly became a polarizing figure in the diplomatic arena.
According to The Times (UK), Rasool’s remarks at a South African think tank conference in early March directly accused President Trump and his allies, including billionaire Elon Musk, of promoting global white supremacy. His comments were swiftly condemned by the U.S. State Department, which accused him of engaging in hostile rhetoric that violated diplomatic norms.
On March 14, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally revoked Rasool’s diplomatic status, declaring him persona non grata and giving him 48 hours to leave the country. Reuters reported that Rubio denounced Rasool’s statements, calling him “a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates President Trump.”
The U.S. Executive Order on South Africa
The tensions between Washington and Pretoria had already escalated before Rasool’s expulsion. On February 7, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled “Addressing Egregious Actions of The Republic of South Africa,” which cut off all U.S. foreign aid to South Africa and promoted resettlement for Afrikaner refugees facing alleged racial discrimination.
The executive order, published by the White House, outlined several key grievances against the South African government:
- Land Expropriation Without Compensation: The Expropriation Act of 2024 allows the South African government to seize land from private owners—predominantly white farmers—without compensation. Trump’s order labels this policy as racially discriminatory, stating that it unjustly targets Afrikaners.
- Legal Action Against Israel: South Africa is currently leading a case at the ICJ accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, a move strongly opposed by the Trump administration.
- Strengthening Ties With Iran: The order highlights concerns over Pretoria’s growing relationship with Iran, including military and commercial agreements, which Washington sees as a direct threat to U.S. foreign policy interests.
As a result, all U.S. assistance programs to South Africa have been halted, affecting key initiatives, including HIV/AIDS relief, which previously received $440 million in annual funding from the U.S. government.
South Africa’s Response and the ANC’s Dilemma
The South African government has strongly condemned the U.S. actions, calling them “unwarranted and regrettable”. According to Reuters, the Presidency of Cyril Ramaphosa issued a formal statement urging “all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter.”
The African National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s ruling party, is now facing internal pressure on how to handle relations with the Trump administration. Some ANC factions, particularly those aligned with the radical economic transformation (RET) movement, have urged a more confrontational stance, advocating trade retaliation measures and closer alignment with BRICS nations, including Russia and China.
However, moderate voices within the ANC argue that maintaining a working relationship with the United States is essential, given the deep economic ties between the two countries. South Africa is the United States’ largest trade partner in Africa, with bilateral trade exceeding $20 billion annually.
Analysis: What Happens Next?
1. Could South Africa Expel U.S. Diplomats?
There is speculation that the South African government could retaliate by expelling U.S. diplomatic personnel from Pretoria. However, experts believe this is unlikely, as Pretoria relies heavily on U.S. trade and investment.
2. The Economic Fallout of the Aid Cutoff
The loss of $440 million in U.S. aid could have severe consequences for South Africa’s public health sector, particularly in HIV/AIDS programs. According to Financial Times, South African health officials are now scrambling to secure alternative funding sources, including potential support from China and the European Union.
3. Afrikaner Resettlement in the U.S.
The Trump administration’s decision to prioritize Afrikaner refugees for U.S. resettlement is likely to inflame racial tensions in South Africa. The move has been celebrated by right-wing groups in South Africa but condemned by ANC leaders, who argue that it misrepresents the realities of land reform.
4. Could Diplomatic Ties Be Restored?
Although relations are currently at a low point, some analysts believe that quiet diplomacy behind the scenes could prevent a full-blown crisis. However, as long as Trump and the ANC remain at ideological odds, tensions are expected to persist.
Conclusion
The expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool and President Trump’s executive order mark a new low in U.S.-South Africa relations. While both nations have historically maintained a complex but functional partnership, current geopolitical divisions, ideological clashes, and domestic pressures are driving an unprecedented rift.
The coming months will be critical in determining whether Washington and Pretoria can salvage their relationship or if further diplomatic and economic fallout is inevitable.
Sources:
- Politico: “Rubio says South Africa’s ambassador no longer welcome in U.S. after criticizing Trump”
- Reuters: “Trump signs order to cut funding for South Africa”
- The Times (UK): “Marco Rubio shuns South Africa’s G20 amid land and Starlink rows”
- Financial Times: “U.S. aid cuts to South Africa threaten HIV programs”
- White House: “Addressing Egregious Actions of The Republic of South Africa”
Disclaimer:
This article provides factual reporting and analysis based on publicly available information from Politico, Reuters, The Times (UK), Financial Times, and the White House. As diplomatic tensions evolve, further updates may be necessary. Readers are encouraged to follow official government statements for ongoing developments.
