• Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool “persona non grata” following remarks accusing MAGA of white supremacist roots.
• Tensions between the U.S. and South Africa are escalating, fueled by disagreements over land redistribution policies and diplomatic rebukes.
• Rubio’s action and Trump’s halt on foreign aid highlight a strained partnership at its lowest point in years.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken bold action, declaring South African ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, as “persona non grata.” This diplomatic move comes after Rasool made inflammatory remarks about President Donald Trump, accusing him of spearheading a “global white supremacist movement.” In a fiery post on the social platform X, Rubio announced, “South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country.”

He went on to call Rasool a “race-baiting politician” who harbors disdain for both America and @POTUS. Rubio’s strong words highlight the deepening strain between the United States and South Africa, a relationship that many experts believe has reached its lowest point in years.

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What Prompted Rubio’s Declaration?

Rubio’s decision stems from Rasool’s recent comments made to the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA), a think tank based in Johannesburg. In his video address, Rasool alleged that movements like “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) were rooted in white supremacist ideologies. He claimed the MAGA movement is driven by demographic shifts in the U.S., where the white voting population is projected to decline to 48%.

Rasool also linked this shift to policies like border wall construction, immigration crackdowns by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and deportation campaigns, suggesting that these measures stem from racist motivations.

The Fallout: Diplomatic Repercussions

Declaring a foreign diplomat persona non grata is a serious diplomatic rebuke. While such actions rarely occur, they can force the envoy to leave the host country. Rasool previously served as South Africa’s ambassador to Washington from 2010 to 2015 before returning to the role earlier this year.

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Rubio’s condemnation reflects not only his personal dissatisfaction but also growing concerns about South Africa’s policies under President Cyril Ramaphosa. The U.S. has been increasingly critical of South Africa’s legislative actions, particularly the Expropriation Act, which allows the government to seize land without compensation.

Trump’s Response to the Land Seizures

The conflict between the two nations escalated further when President Trump signed an executive order in February, halting U.S. foreign aid to South Africa. The president condemned the country’s land redistribution policies, stating they unfairly targeted minority Afrikaner farmers.

In a statement, Donald Trump accused South Africa of “seizing land and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY.” He also introduced an expedited pathway to U.S. citizenship for South African farmers fleeing persecution, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to protecting those impacted by the controversial policies.

South Africa Pushes Back

South African officials, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, have rebuffed Trump’s allegations. Ramaphosa insists that the Expropriation Act is a constitutionally guided process meant to ensure equitable public access to land rather than an instrument of confiscation.

Despite these claims, tensions remain high. Rubio’s decision to skip the G20 summit in Johannesburg earlier this year was seen as a clear message of disapproval. He cited South Africa’s promotion of divisive policies like “solidarity, equality, and sustainability” as reasons for his absence.

A Strained Partnership

Former U.S. ambassador to South Africa Patrick Gaspard described the current state of U.S.-South African relations as being at their lowest point. As the president of the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank, Gaspard urged for reconciliation, stating, “There’s too much at stake to not work towards the repair of this partnership.”

What’s Next?

As diplomatic tensions intensify, the future of U.S.-South African relations remains uncertain. Rubio’s firm stance underscores the growing divide, while Trump’s policies signal a tough road ahead for South Africa’s government.

What do you think about Rubio’s declaration and the deteriorating relationship between the U.S. and South Africa? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how this issue affects you. Don’t forget to share this article from The Dupree Report with your friends and followers!

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