Trump stated that he was implementing the order in response to South Africa’s recent land legislation, which he claims infringes on individual rights, as well as due to the country’s international legal action against Israel for alleged genocide.
This development intensifies the ongoing conflict between the two nations, following Trump’s assertion that he would reduce funding, alleging without evidence that “South Africa is seizing land” and that “certain groups of people” are being treated “very poorly.”
The South African government denounced these claims as “a campaign of misinformation and propaganda designed to misrepresent our esteemed nation.” A statement from the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation emphasized that this action “fails to acknowledge South Africa’s deep and painful legacy of colonialism and apartheid.”
Elon Musk, a close adviser to Trump and a South African native, also criticized the situation, questioning on X why President Cyril Ramaphosa had “openly racist ownership laws.”
While Ramaphosa has not yet replied, he previously defended South Africa’s land policy in light of Trump’s threats on Sunday, asserting that the government had not seized any land and that the policy aims to ensure fair public access to land.
The new legislation, enacted last month, permits land expropriation without compensation under specific conditions. Land ownership remains a contentious issue in South Africa, with the majority of private farmland still held by white individuals, three decades after the end of apartheid. There have been ongoing demands for the government to tackle land reform and rectify the historical injustices stemming from racial segregation.
Under the new law, expropriation without compensation is allowed only when it is deemed “just and equitable and in the public interest.”
This encompasses situations where the property is unused and there is no plan for development or profit, or when it presents a danger to individuals.
The directive stated that the United States “cannot endorse the South African government’s commission of rights violations within its borders,” and as long as it “perpetuates these unjust and immoral actions,” the US will withhold aid or support.
The White House announced that Washington will also create a strategy to resettle South African farmers and their families as refugees.
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It indicated that US officials will prioritize humanitarian assistance, including the admission and resettlement of Afrikaners in South Africa—primarily white descendants of early Dutch and French settlers—through the United States Refugee Admissions Program.
The executive order also highlights South Africa’s involvement in bringing allegations of genocide against Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The directive noted: “Furthermore, South Africa has adopted confrontational stances towards the United States and its allies, including accusing Israel, rather than Hamas, of genocide in the ICJ, and strengthening its ties with Iran to establish commercial, military, and nuclear partnerships.”
On Sunday, Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he would halt all future funding to South Africa until a comprehensive investigation into the situation is conducted. In a subsequent briefing with reporters, he criticized South Africa’s leadership, stating they are engaging in “terrible things, horrible things.” He added, “This matter is currently under investigation. We will reach a conclusion, and until we ascertain what actions South Africa is taking—such as land confiscation and potentially even more severe actions—we will withhold support.”
However, on Monday, President Ramaphosa sought to ease tensions with Trump’s administration regarding the new land law by having a phone conversation with Elon Musk. According to Ramaphosa’s office, during the call, the president emphasized South Africa’s commitment to its constitutionally enshrined values, which include respect for the rule of law, justice, fairness, and equality.
