The United States has expelled South Africa’s ambassador to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool, following remarks critical of President Donald Trump.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on Friday, accusing Rasool of harboring hostility toward America and the Trump administration.
“South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country,” Rubio wrote on X.
Describing Rasool as “a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @POTUS,” referring to Trump’s official X handle, Rubio declared him persona non grata. “We have nothing to discuss with him,” he added.
The expulsion marks an escalation in diplomatic tensions between Washington and Pretoria, which have been strained in recent months.
In February, Trump froze US aid to South Africa, citing concerns over a law he claims allows the seizure of land from white farmers. The situation further deteriorated last week when Trump offered asylum to South African farmers, alleging that the government was “confiscating” their land.
The South African government has yet to issue an official response to Rasool’s expulsion, but analysts warn that the move could lead to further diplomatic fallout between the two nations.
