President Trump has accused the South African government of inciting violence against white landowners.
President Donald Trump has issued an executive order prioritizing refugee assistance for white South Africans, including resettlement, following South Africa’s land expropriation law aimed at redressing historical land ownership inequalities.
The order, released Friday, alleges South Africa exhibits a “shocking disregard for its citizens’ rights,” claiming the new law allows the government to seize Afrikaner farmers’ land without compensation.
Afrikaners, descendants of 17th-century Dutch colonists, still hold most of South Africa’s land despite the end of apartheid in the 1990s. South Africa aims to transfer 30% of farmland to black farmers by 2030.
Trump’s order contends South African policies deprive the white minority of equal opportunities and fuel violence against “racially disfavored landowners.”
The order halts aid to South Africa until its “unjust and immoral practices” cease, instructing relevant departments to prioritize humanitarian relief and resettlement of Afrikaners through the US Refugee Admissions Program.
The document further criticizes South Africa for “undermining United States foreign policy,” posing a national security threat. This includes South Africa’s accusations of Israeli genocide at the International Court of Justice and its developing ties with Iran, encompassing “commercial, military, and nuclear arrangements.”
These measures will remain in effect while South Africa continues “harmful practices” against the US. Recent disagreements between Washington and Pretoria regarding the land ownership law preceded this action.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously announced skipping a G20 meeting in South Africa, citing South Africa’s “bad actions.” Elon Musk, a South African-born billionaire and Trump advisor, also labeled the legislation “racist.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa responded that his nation “will not be bullied,” noting a global rise in “nationalism and protectionism,” though not explicitly mentioning the US.