U.S. President Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a White House meeting on May 21, 2025, presenting unverified video footage alleging a “genocide” of white South Africans.
The video included clips of burial sites and members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party chanting “Kill the Boer,” a slogan historically linked to racial tensions. Trump claimed the footage showed “over a thousand” graves of white farmers and accused South Africa of failing to address persecution, stating, “People are fleeing for their safety… their land is confiscated.”
Ramaphosa, who remained composed during the meeting, rejected the allegations as unrepresentative of government policy. He emphasized South Africa’s constitutional commitment to racial equality and noted that most victims of violent crime in the country are Black. The South African delegation included prominent Afrikaner figures—golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, and billionaire Johann Rupert—to underscore national unity. Rupert acknowledged crime affects all races and urged U.S. tech support, specifically referencing potential collaborations with Elon Musk’s Starlink for policing.
Land Reform Law Draws Scrutiny
The meeting occurred amid strained relations following U.S. tariffs, aid cuts, and the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador over Pretoria’s stance on Israel and domestic land reforms. Trump recently granted asylum to approximately 50 Afrikaners citing persecution, despite South African courts dismissing such claims. Ramaphosa’s visit aimed to reset ties, with reports suggesting discussions about a Starlink deal to address Musk’s criticism of South Africa’s policies.
A focal point of Trump’s criticism was South Africa’s 2024 Expropriation Act, which permits land seizures without compensation for public use. While the law has not yet been implemented, Trump and Musk have labeled it anti-white. Ramaphosa defended the legislation as a redress for apartheid-era inequalities, noting that police data indicates farm attacks account for 1–2% of South Africa’s roughly 7,000 quarterly murders, with most victims being Black.