Ramaphosa Meets Trump in Washington Amid Diplomatic Tensions Over White South Africans, Trad
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday in a high-stakes diplomatic engagement marked by tension over emigration, race relations, and trade.
The visit follows recent remarks by Ramaphosa, who labelled a group of 59 white South Africans who emigrated to the U.S. as “cowards,” sparking backlash from conservative circles in the United States. The group recently resettled in Texas, citing fears of insecurity and discrimination in South Africa.
President Trump, alongside his political ally and South Africa-born entrepreneur Elon Musk, has repeatedly voiced concern over what he terms the “genocide” of white farmers in South Africa—a claim widely discredited by rights groups and international observers. Ramaphosa, in past statements, has dismissed the allegations as “sensationalist and false.”
During their closed-door meeting, the two leaders also discussed trade, with South Africa raising concerns over the 30% tariffs imposed by the U.S. on key exports including steel and automotive parts. The White House has not yet signaled a willingness to review the tariff measures.
Despite the friction, both presidents expressed a commitment to “dialogue and partnership,” according to a joint statement issued after the talks.
The visit comes as South Africa faces increased diplomatic scrutiny and seeks to maintain strong bilateral ties with Washington amid broader global tensions and shifting U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s renewed administration
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