America kicked out South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rassol from Washington. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X that Rassol counts as an unwelcome person. The Latin phrase persona non grata makes this official. BBC News says Rubio linked his message to a right-wing Breitbart article about Rassol.
The ambassador made comments during an online talk saying Trump attacks those holding power. He claimed Trump uses supremacism against leaders at home and worldwide. Rubio fired back, calling Rassol a politician who stirs up racial issues. He added bluntly that America has zero interest in talking with him anymore.
This expulsion shows how the friendship between both countries has kept falling apart since Trump became president. Just weeks ago, Trump signed an order that blocks money going to South Africa. His order mentions terrible actions by that nation and claims unfair treatment hurts white Dutch descendants there.
The White House stated America would cut off help as long as South Africa backed bad actions globally and allowed attacks on minority farmers. South African officials say their land law has nothing to do with race. Rassol worked as an ambassador previously from 2010 until 2015 before starting again this year.
The ambassador made comments during an online talk saying Trump attacks those holding power. He claimed Trump uses supremacism against leaders at home and worldwide. Rubio fired back, calling Rassol a politician who stirs up racial issues. He added bluntly that America has zero interest in talking with him anymore.
This expulsion shows how the friendship between both countries has kept falling apart since Trump became president. Just weeks ago, Trump signed an order that blocks money going to South Africa. His order mentions terrible actions by that nation and claims unfair treatment hurts white Dutch descendants there.
The White House stated America would cut off help as long as South Africa backed bad actions globally and allowed attacks on minority farmers. South African officials say their land law has nothing to do with race. Rassol worked as an ambassador previously from 2010 until 2015 before starting again this year.
