U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday freezing foreign aid to South Africa over its controversial land expropriation law and its position against Israel in the Gaza war. Trump accused South Africa of “human rights violations,” citing policies that allow land seizures from White farmers without compensation.
The order directs U.S. agencies to halt aid unless deemed essential and mandates support for Afrikaners fleeing alleged discrimination. The U.S. provided nearly $440 million in assistance to South Africa in 2023, with over $270 million from USAID.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed claims of land confiscation, emphasizing that reforms align with constitutional provisions. The country’s foreign ministry condemned Trump’s move as “misinformation” and criticized the U.S. for prioritizing Afrikaner refugees while restricting asylum for others.
Trump also cited South Africa’s accusations of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice as a factor in his decision. Ramaphosa, addressing the nation, asserted that South Africa “will not be bullied.”
The executive order follows Trump’s broader push to scale back foreign aid, particularly to nations at odds with U.S. interests.
