Rubio Declares South African Ambassador 'Persona Non Grata'

By Jasmine Zahabi 

The United States has expelled South Africa’s ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, after Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused him of being a "race-baiting politician" who hates President Donald Trump.


South Africa's ambassador to the U.S. Ebrahim Rasool 


The decision marks a new low in U.S.-South Africa relations, which have been tense since Trump cut financial aid to the country. 


The U.S. also disapproves of South Africa’s land reform policies and its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.


Rubio announced the expulsion on social media platform X, stating that Rasool was "no longer welcome" in the U.S. 


He also shared an article from Breitbart, which quoted Rasool as saying Trump was leading a white supremacist movement.


South Africa has called the move “regrettable” but insists it remains committed to strong diplomatic relations. 


The country plans to address the issue through official channels.


The U.S. State Department has directed South Africa’s ambassador to leave by March 21, 2025, citing concerns over its land reforms, ties with Russia and Iran, and hostile stances toward the U.S. and allies.


The move signals strained relations as the U.S. reevaluates its policy toward South Africa, drawing global attention to the diplomatic rift.


Trump has repeatedly criticized South Africa’s land expropriation law, claiming—without evidence—that white landowners are being unfairly targeted. 


Elon Musk, the South African-born billionaire, has also spoken out, calling the land policies "racist."


In response, Trump has offered to resettle white South African farmers and is coordinating with the State Department and Homeland Security to implement the plan.


With the U.S.-South Africa relationship at its lowest point, experts warn that further diplomatic clashes could follow. 


Former U.S. Ambassador Patrick Gaspard says both nations have "too much at stake" and should work toward repairing their partnership.


Stay tuned for further developments.



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