Trump Nominates L. Brent Bozell III as U.S. Ambassador to South Africa
The nomination comes during a period of heightened tensions over racial and geopolitical disputes between the two nations.
- L. Brent Bozell III, a conservative media activist and founder of the Media Research Center, has been nominated as U.S. ambassador to South Africa, pending Senate confirmation.
- Bozell’s nomination follows the expulsion of South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, declared persona non grata after criticizing Trump and the MAGA movement.
- The nomination has drawn scrutiny due to Bozell’s past opposition to the ANC during apartheid and his alignment with right-wing groups critical of anti-apartheid militancy.
- Relations between the U.S. and South Africa have deteriorated significantly, with Trump halting U.S. aid and accusing South Africa of racial discrimination against white Afrikaners.
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticized U.S. claims of discrimination, pledging to appoint a strong replacement for Rasool while tensions over foreign policy disagreements persist.