Trump Admin Expels S. African Ambassador, Orders Exit by Friday/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Trump administration has ordered South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool to leave the U.S. by Friday after declaring him “persona non grata.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited Rasool’s alleged anti-Trump rhetoric, linking his decision to comments Rasool made in a South African think tank webinar. This marks a rare expulsion of a foreign ambassador and follows Trump’s recent halt in U.S. funding to South Africa, citing concerns over the country’s domestic policies and foreign alliances. South Africa has expressed regret over the expulsion while reaffirming its commitment to diplomatic relations.
Trump Administration Expels South African Ambassador: Quick Looks
- Who Was Expelled? South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool.
- Why? The State Department declared him persona non grata over alleged anti-Trump rhetoric.
- When Must He Leave? By Friday, as his diplomatic privileges expired Monday.
- How Was It Announced? Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the announcement via social media.
- Broader U.S.-South Africa Tensions:
- Trump halted U.S. funding to South Africa last month.
- The U.S. criticized South Africa’s domestic policies and ties to Hamas and Iran.
- South Africa’s Response: The government called the expulsion “regrettable” but emphasized its commitment to diplomacy.
Trump Administration Expels South African Ambassador, Citing “Anti-Trump Rhetoric”
U.S. Orders Ambassador Rasool to Leave by Friday
The U.S.-South Africa diplomatic relationship took a sharp downturn Monday as the Trump administration ordered South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool to leave the United States by Friday.
The State Department formally declared Rasool “persona non grata” last week, meaning he is no longer welcome as his country’s representative in Washington. His diplomatic privileges expired Monday, and it remains unclear whether Rasool is currently in the U.S. or abroad.
Why Was Rasool Expelled?
- In the discussion, Rasool reportedly addressed Trump administration policies in the context of a changing U.S. racial demographic.
- Rubio accused Rasool of being a “race-baiting politician” and linked to a Breitbart article on the topic.
- The U.S. summoned South African embassy officials and delivered a formal diplomatic notice of Rasool’s expulsion.
Rubio’s Announcement and Trump’s Broader Policy Shift
Rubio announced Rasool’s expulsion via social media while returning from a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Canada.
This move is part of a broader Trump administration crackdown on South Africa, including:
- An executive order last month halting U.S. funding to the country.
- Criticism of South Africa’s government policies, which Trump described as “anti-white.”
- Allegations that South Africa supports “bad actors” like Hamas and Iran.
South Africa’s Response
The South African government responded with a statement calling the decision “regrettable” while maintaining its commitment to diplomatic engagement.
“South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America,” the office of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said.
What’s Next?
- Will Rasool comply with the order and leave by Friday?
- How will South Africa retaliate diplomatically?
- Will this expulsion lead to further deterioration in U.S.-South Africa relations?
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