Trump to defund South Africa over mistreatment of “Certain Classes of People”

U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked controversy after claiming, without providing evidence, that “certain classes of people” in South Africa are being treated “very badly.” In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump announced that he would cut off all future U.S. funding to South Africa until the matter is fully investigated. 

“South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY,” Trump wrote. “The United States won’t stand for it, we will act. Also, I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!” 

The post did not specify what prompted Trump’s remarks, and the South African embassy in Washington, D.C., did not respond to requests for comment outside of regular business hours. 

According to the most recent U.S. government data, the United States obligated nearly $440 million in assistance to South Africa in 2023. South Africa currently holds the presidency of the G20, a position the U.S. is set to take over in the future. 

This is not the first time Trump has raised concerns about South Africa. During his first administration, he claimed the U.S. would investigate unproven allegations of large-scale killings of white farmers and violent land seizures in the country. At the time, the South African government dismissed Trump’s claims as misinformed. It remains unclear whether any investigation was ever conducted. 

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously expressed confidence in the country’s relationship with Trump. Last month, Ramaphosa stated that he was not worried about ties with the former U.S. president, noting that he had spoken to Trump after his election victory and looked forward to working with his administration. 

Trump’s comments have also drawn attention due to his close ties with Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, who was born in South Africa. In 2023, Musk responded to a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing a far-left South African political party singing the anti-apartheid song “Kill the Boer,” which Musk interpreted as incitement to violence. 

“They are openly pushing for genocide of white people in South Africa,” Musk wrote, directly addressing President Ramaphosa. “@CyrilRamaphosa, why do you say nothing?” 

Trump’s latest remarks have reignited debates about land reform and racial tensions in South Africa, as well as the role of foreign leaders in commenting on the country’s internal affairs.