Trump Uses Video, Photos at Oval Office to Accuse S. Africa of Genocide/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump confronted South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa over the treatment of white farmers during a tense Oval Office meeting. Trump played video footage and held up photos to claim a “genocide,” while Ramaphosa strongly rejected the accusations. The contentious exchange overshadowed broader efforts to rebuild U.S.-South Africa relations.
Trump-Ramaphosa Oval Office Confrontation Quick Looks
- Setting: White House, Oval Office — May 21, 2025
- Meeting Purpose: Reset strained diplomatic ties
- Main Clash: Trump claims “genocide” of white South Africans
- Ramaphosa’s Response: Rejected claims, emphasized high crime for all races
- Trump’s Display: Played video of anti-apartheid song, showed victim photos
- Key Allies Present: Elon Musk, Johann Rupert, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen
- Business Angle: Delegation pushed for trade, Starlink approval
- Agriculture Minister: Denied systemic targeting, said farmers want to stay
- Trump’s Focus: Blamed South Africa for fleeing whites, cut U.S. aid
- Ramaphosa’s Focus: Trade, democracy, crime prevention, and employment
Deep Look: Trump Ambushes Ramaphosa in Oval Office Over White Farmer Killings
WASHINGTON — May 21, 2025 — A high-stakes diplomatic meeting between President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa turned into a confrontational Oval Office exchange on Wednesday, as Trump escalated unproven claims of a “genocide” against white farmers in South Africa.
Instead of focusing solely on trade and investment, the meeting spiraled into a highly charged session after Trump presented video evidence, photos of white victims, and invoked Elon Musk’s support to bolster his claims of racial persecution.
“People are fleeing South Africa for their own safety,” said Trump, who at one point dimmed the lights in the Oval Office to play a video of a communist politician playing a controversial anti-apartheid song that includes lyrics about killing a farmer. “Their land is being confiscated and in many cases they’re being killed.”
“Their land is being confiscated and in many cases they’re being killed,” Trump said while playing a controversial video of opposition leader Julius Malema singing an anti-apartheid song, “Shoot the Boer.”
Ramaphosa Pushes Back
“We are completely opposed to that,” Ramaphosa said. “South Africa is a democracy, and while crime is a problem, it affects Black and white citizens alike.”
He clarified that Malema — featured prominently in Trump’s video — does not represent the government and called for greater U.S.-South Africa cooperation on trade and economic stability.
The Oval Office “Ambush”
Observers described the encounter as a calculated ambush. Video monitors — not usually present in the Oval Office — were set up ahead of the meeting. Trump narrated over video clips showing South African funerals and protests.
Trump then held up photos of alleged murder victims, declaring:
“We’re going to talk about it. People are fleeing South Africa for their own safety.”
The room grew tense as reporters shouted questions, and Trump was heard calling one a “jerk” after being asked about an unrelated plane gifted to him by Qatar.
South Africa’s Delegation Responds
South African Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, who is white and leads the opposition Democratic Alliance, said farmers were indeed concerned about crime but emphasized:
“It’s not only white farmers. And the majority want to stay. Our government is prioritizing protection, including against livestock theft.”
Billionaire Johann Rupert, one of South Africa’s wealthiest white businessmen, urged support for police technology and appealed to Elon Musk directly:
“We need Starlink in every police station,” Rupert said.
Golf Diplomacy and Candid Talk
Pro-golfer Ernie Els, who joined the delegation alongside Retief Goosen, weighed in:
“Two wrongs don’t make a right,” said Els, referencing crimes during apartheid and current fears among white South Africans.
Trump joked, “He’s a better speaker than a golfer,” momentarily easing the tension.
Elon Musk’s Role
Elon Musk, who has amplified claims of anti-white bias in South Africa and criticized affirmative action laws, remained mostly quiet during the discussion.
But Trump turned to him, stating:
“This is what Elon wanted. He came here to talk Mars, but this took priority.”
Musk nodded, refraining from diving into the heated back-and-forth.
Ramaphosa’s Broader Message
Despite the pressure, Ramaphosa kept steering the conversation back to economic ties and trade:
“Our main reason for being here is to foster investment. Criminality thrives when people are unemployed. We need U.S. support to create jobs and stability.”
He also appealed to shared democratic values, noting that South Africa allows freedom of expression, even from controversial figures like Malema.
Trump Cites ‘Tremendous Complaints’
Trump defended his administration’s refugee policy, stating:
“We’ve had tremendous complaints about Africa. These white South Africans are fleeing. Don’t say we don’t take refugees.”
He referenced the dozens of white farmers granted U.S. asylum and reiterated that protecting persecuted populations remains a “top priority.”
Broader Tensions: Gaza, Iran, ICC
Beyond land reform, Trump and his allies have criticized South Africa for filing a genocide case against Israel at the International Criminal Court and for past business ties with Iran’s telecom sector.
Ramaphosa acknowledged the policy differences but emphasized diplomacy:
“We’ve learned peace from Mandela. Let’s bring those lessons to the world.”
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