In a surprising move, President Trump asked for the Oval Office lights to be dimmed before presenting the South African President with footage supporting his claims of violence against white Afrikaners.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation were taken aback by the video, which Trump argued demonstrated the South African government’s neglect of violence against white farmers. Ramaphosa noted he was unfamiliar with the images of roadside crosses, which Trump claimed marked graves of murdered white farmers, and pledged to investigate their origin. The video also contained footage of South African opposition figures advocating for the killing of white farmers, remarks that Ramaphosa stated he condemned and that his coalition sought to marginalize.
The meeting was another instance of Trump publicly airing tensions with a U.S. ally. Trump displayed what he described as news articles detailing the killings of white farmers, stating that they were being “executed” and were primarily white farmers.
President Ramaphosa responded that while violent crime is a problem in South Africa, it affects citizens of all races. He clarified that “People who do get killed unfortunately through criminal activity are not only white people.”
Ramaphosa then attempted to shift the conversation to more agreeable topics. He emphasized the potential for increased trade in minerals essential for American manufacturing and thanked Trump for providing respirators to South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also commended Trump’s efforts to mediate peace in regions such as Ukraine, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ramaphosa began his efforts to find common ground by appealing to Trump’s interest in golf, mentioning a “fantastic” book of South African golf course photographs he gifted to Trump. Ramaphosa said he had “started practicing golf” and was ready to play with Trump. He also brought prominent South African golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen to the Oval Office to meet with Trump.
Ramaphosa’s visit occurred amidst heightened tensions between South Africa and the Trump Administration. Earlier in the month, Trump offered refugee status to 59 white South Africans, asserting they were targets of violence. The South African government’s strong support for Palestinians in Gaza, particularly regarding the destruction of homes and restricted access to food by the Israeli military, has also caused friction with Trump administration officials.
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