Trump slams South Africa over land reforms, vows to cut US aid amid growing tensions

World news: In a significant diplomatic rift, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that he will not attend the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on February 20-21. Accusing the host country of pursuing an "anti-American" agenda, Rubio criticized South Africa's land reforms and its emphasis on "solidarity, equality, and sustainability."

“I will NOT attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg. South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote ‘solidarity, equality, & sustainability.’ In other words: DEI and climate change. My job is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism,” Rubio posted on X (formerly Twitter). Rubio’s remarks align with US President Donald Trump’s recent criticism of South Africa’s land reform policies, escalating tensions between the two nations.

Trump Threatens to Cut US Aid to South Africa Over Land Reforms
Two days before Rubio’s announcement, President Trump took to his Truth Social platform to condemn South Africa’s land redistribution policies, calling them a "massive human rights violation." He also vowed to cut off all US financial aid to the country. “South Africa is confiscating land and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY," Trump wrote, without providing specific evidence to back his claim. Trump’s stance reflects his administration’s broader opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which he has repeatedly attacked since returning to the White House.

South Africa Rejects US Allegations, Calls for Dialogue
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa swiftly responded, rejecting Trump’s claims and defending his government’s land reform policies. He stated that the reforms aim to correct historical injustices stemming from apartheid-era land dispossession. “We are not ‘confiscating’ land. Our government is committed to a fair and just resolution to land ownership disparities. If President Trump seeks clarification, we are ready to engage,” Ramaphosa stated. According to the Associated Press, Ramaphosa has also raised concerns over "disinformation" being spread by the US administration. He reportedly discussed the issue with billionaire entrepreneur and Trump ally Elon Musk.

South Africa’s Contentious Land Reform Policy
Land ownership remains a deeply divisive issue in South Africa. Despite the end of apartheid three decades ago, white landowners still control a significant portion of the country’s farmland. The government has long been under pressure to redistribute land to the Black majority, whose ancestors were forcibly removed from their homes under apartheid policies.

The proposed land reform law has been a subject of debate for years, with proponents arguing it is necessary to address economic disparities, while critics warn of potential economic instability and foreign investor concerns.

Escalating Diplomatic Tensions Between the US and South Africa
The latest spat between Washington and Pretoria highlights growing friction between the two nations. Under President Trump’s administration, US foreign policy has shifted toward a more nationalist stance, prioritizing American economic and strategic interests while taking a hardline approach against perceived adversaries. As South Africa prepares to host the G20 summit, the absence of the US Secretary of State could have broader geopolitical implications. Observers suggest that Trump's and Rubio’s stance could push South Africa to strengthen its ties with BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, and China—further distancing itself from Washington’s influence. With tensions mounting, all eyes are on how South Africa navigates this diplomatic standoff in the coming weeks.