Date: March 14, 2025
By: Views Now
A dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, the United States has expelled South Africa’s ambassador to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool, declaring him "persona non grata." U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on Friday, accusing Rasool of harboring deep animosity toward both the United States and President Donald Trump.“South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country,” Rubio stated in a post on X. “Ebrahim Rasool is a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @POTUS. We have nothing to discuss with him.” The move marks a rare and bold step in U.S. foreign policy, signaling a significant rift between Washington and Pretoria.Rasool, a seasoned diplomat and member of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), began his second stint as ambassador in January 2025, having previously served from 2010 to 2015.
His expulsion comes amid strained relations between the two nations, fueled by disagreements over South Africa’s land reform policies and its outspoken criticism of Israel, a close U.S. ally. The Trump administration has also clashed with South Africa over its support for Palestinian rights, including its leadership in a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.Rubio’s announcement followed Rasool’s remarks during a South African think tank webinar earlier on Friday, where he reportedly criticized Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement as a response to demographic shifts in the U.S. These comments, cited in a Breitbart article linked by Rubio, appear to have triggered the swift decision to oust him.The expulsion has drawn attention to the influence of Trump allies like Elon Musk, the South African-born billionaire who has vocally opposed Pretoria’s policies. Musk, a key figure in Trump’s administration, has accused South Africa’s government of promoting “openly racist” laws targeting white farmers—a narrative that has gained traction among U.S. conservatives.South Africa has yet to respond officially, but the move is likely to deepen the diplomatic chill between the two countries. Just last month, Trump froze U.S. aid to South Africa, citing its land expropriation laws, further straining a relationship that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa once described as “wonderful” following a call with Trump in January.
As of now, it remains unclear whether Rasool was in the U.S. at the time of the announcement or how this will affect his immediate plans. The State Department has not provided additional comment, leaving observers to speculate on the broader implications for U.S.-South Africa ties.
