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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 28767, member: 2262"] The United States kicked out South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool because he made racist statements against President Donald Trump and white American voters. This happened on February 11, 2025, making the tense relationship between both countries even worse. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Rasool must leave, calling him persona non grata. Rubio said the ambassador hates America and hates President Trump. Breitbart reported that Rasool accused Trump of using a supremacist instinct and white victimhood as a dog whistle during the 2024 elections. These comments caused major problems in Washington. Semafor found that since Trump became president, U.S. State Department officials and key Republicans refused to meet with Rasool. Rasool had just returned to his job in January after serving as ambassador from 2010 to 2015 under President Barack Obama. South African leaders called the expulsion regrettable but still want good relations with America. The South African Presidency said they remain committed to building a helpful relationship with the United States. Trump already punished South Africa by stopping U.S. aid and making it easier for white South Africans to seek asylum if they faced land seizures or racial violence. He warned South Africa would face consequences if they continued their current path. The ambassador removal happened as people around the world condemned EFF leader Julius Malema for making statements that seemed to encourage racial violence. Malema said people should go after white men to cause pain, claiming we're cutting the throat of whiteness and will kill white women, children, and pets. Elon Musk demanded immediate sanctions against Malema and called for him to be declared an international criminal on social media platform X. President Cyril Ramaphosa tried to calm the situation by stating South Africa respects law and justice. He said the government had not taken any land illegally. Ramaphosa explained the Expropriation Act follows legal processes for fair land redistribution, similar to laws in America and Europe. He claimed South African laws balance public needs with property rights protection. Ramaphosa mentioned that except for HIV/AIDS funding through PEPFAR, which makes up 17% of their program, South Africa receives no other American money. [/QUOTE]

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