Senator Marco Rubio has urged South Africa to ensure the safety of White farmers, stating that the United States is prepared to welcome those facing threats of violence. The Trump administration has taken a firm stance against South Africa due to its land expropriation policies and criticism of Israel.
On Monday, Rubio highlighted concerns about South Africa’s land policies and racial tensions, specifically mentioning the controversial chant “Kill the Boer,” which some critics argue incites violence against White farmers.
“South Africa’s leaders and politicians must take action to protect Afrikaner and other disfavored minorities,” Rubio posted on X. “The United States is proud to offer those individuals who qualify for admission to our nation amid this continued horrible threat of violence.”
The Trump administration has strongly opposed South Africa’s land expropriation law and its diplomatic moves against Israel. The legislation, which enables land seizures without compensation, has drawn international criticism. In February, President Trump signed an executive order targeting South Africa over the policy.
“In shocking disregard of its citizens’ rights, the Republic of South Africa recently enacted Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, to enable the government of South Africa to seize ethnic minority Afrikaners’ agricultural property without compensation,” the order stated.
Adding to the tensions, South Africa recently took Israel to the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The country has also strengthened ties with Iran, engaging in talks on commercial, military, and nuclear cooperation.
Earlier this month, Rubio took further action by declaring South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., Embrahim Rasool, “persona non grata.” In a post on X, Rubio described Rasool as a “race-baiting” figure who holds anti-American and anti-Trump views. This move followed remarks by Rasool at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) in Johannesburg, where he characterized Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement as a White supremacist response to demographic changes in the U.S.
