U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to reduce financial aid funding to South Africa, the White House announced on Friday. The decision of cutting funding was based on the administration’s disapproval of South Africa’s land reform policies and its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Additionally, Washington plans to develop a strategy for resettling South African farmers and their families as refugees. U.S. officials will prioritize humanitarian efforts, including facilitating the admission and resettlement of Afrikaners—descendants of early Dutch and French settlers—through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
Trump, without providing evidence, has claimed that “South Africa is confiscating land” and that “certain groups of people” are being treated “very badly.” Billionaire Elon Musk, who was born in South Africa and has close ties to Trump, has also criticized the country’s land policies, calling them discriminatory against white South Africans.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who recently signed a law easing the process of state land expropriation in the public interest, has defended the policy. He stated that no land had been forcibly taken and that the law aims to address racial imbalances in land ownership. Ramaphosa also asserted that South Africa “will not be bullied.”
The United States has also criticized South Africa for its legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice. South Africa has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza following a military campaign that has resulted in significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis. Israel has denied the allegations, stating that its actions were in self-defense after Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on October 7, 2023. The White House cited this case as an example of South Africa’s opposition to Washington and its allies.
The executive order signed by Trump is intended to address human rights concerns in South Africa, according to the White House. Trump had previously threatened to withdraw financial support for the country early in his presidency.
The issue of land ownership remains a contentious topic in South Africa, given the historical legacy of colonialism and apartheid, during which Black South Africans were dispossessed of their land. Currently, white landowners control around 75% of the country’s freehold farmland, while Black South Africans—who make up 80% of the population—own just 4%, according to a 2017 land audit.
