Trump Cuts US Aid to South Africa Over Land Law, Israel Case, and Iran Ties
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reducing financial assistance to South Africa, citing concerns over its land expropriation law, legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and closer ties with Iran, the White House announced Friday, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency
"The United States cannot support the South African government's rights violations or its actions undermining US foreign policy," the order stated, calling these issues a national security threat.
The directive targets South Africa's new land expropriation law, which allows land seizures without compensation. Trump has strongly criticized the policy, claiming it unfairly targets specific groups. The order also includes provisions to assist "Afrikaner refugees facing government-sponsored discrimination."
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa defended the legislation, asserting it ensures fair land access rather than confiscation. The US provided nearly $440 million in aid to South Africa in 2023, but the extent of the cuts remains unclear.
Tensions between the two nations have grown, particularly after South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the ICJ. Billionaire Elon Musk, whom Trump appointed as "efficiency czar," also condemned South Africa’s policies as discriminatory.
In a further sign of diplomatic strain, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced he would skip the upcoming G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in South Africa due to concerns over its land and foreign policies. His absence is expected to diminish the summit’s diplomatic weight.
The order also flagged South Africa’s growing ties with Iran, mentioning increased commercial, military, and nuclear cooperation but without specifying details.
