U.S. Expels South African Ambassador Over Allegations of Racism and Anti-Trump Comments

The diplomatic fallout marks a new low in U.S.-South Africa relations under Donald Trump's administration.

Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa's ambassador to the U.S., was declared 'persona non grata' and given 72 hours to leave the country by the U.S. State Department.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Rasool of 'nourishing racial tensions,' 'hating America,' and criticizing President Donald Trump, citing comments Rasool made during a recent conference.
The expulsion follows escalating tensions between the two nations, including U.S. criticism of South Africa's land expropriation policies and a lawsuit Pretoria filed against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
The South African government expressed regret over the expulsion but reiterated its commitment to pursuing a 'mutually beneficial' relationship with Washington.
Broader diplomatic strains include U.S. aid cuts to South Africa, accusations of discrimination against white Afrikaners, and growing ties between Pretoria and the European Union.