In a significant diplomatic move, the United States has expelled South Africa’s ambassador to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool, citing remarks deemed hostile to America and its leadership. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision in a statement on Friday, declaring that Rasool was “no longer welcome in our great country.”
Rubio’s announcement, posted on X (formerly Twitter), accused Rasool of harboring anti-American sentiments and being a “race-baiting politician.” The remarks were linked to a recent lecture where Rasool criticized the Trump administration’s policies, describing them as part of a broader strategy aimed at consolidating power by appealing to supremacist movements. He specifically pointed to demographic shifts in the U.S., suggesting they played a role in the rise of political movements such as MAGA.
South Africa’s presidential office responded on Saturday, calling the expulsion “regrettable” but affirming its commitment to maintaining constructive relations with the U.S. Despite the growing tensions, officials in Pretoria emphasized that diplomacy should prevail over political disagreements.
While the removal of lower-ranking diplomats is not uncommon, expelling a senior official like an ambassador is a rare step, highlighting the strain in U.S.-South Africa relations. Notably, such actions were avoided even at the height of the Cold War between the U.S. and Russia, underscoring the gravity of this development.
This move comes amid a steady decline in U.S.-South Africa relations under the Trump administration. Last month, President Trump signed an executive order freezing American aid to South Africa. The order cited “egregious actions” by the South African government, specifically referencing allegations of racial discrimination against white Afrikaners. The administration accused Pretoria of endorsing policies that unfairly targeted this minority group, particularly pointing to the Expropriation Act, a law that enables land redistribution.
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South Africa has repeatedly denied that its land reform policies are racially motivated, maintaining that they are aimed at addressing historical injustices stemming from apartheid-era land ownership disparities. The government insists that the reforms are part of broader economic restructuring efforts rather than an attack on any specific group.
Ebrahim Rasool’s History and Political Stance
Rasool, who previously served as South Africa’s ambassador to Washington from 2010 to 2015, was reappointed in 2025. His personal history is deeply intertwined with South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. Born and raised in Cape Town, he and his family were forcibly evicted from their home at the age of nine under racially discriminatory policies. This experience, he has said, was a pivotal moment that shaped his political activism and worldview.
His criticism of the Trump administration reflects a long-standing concern over racial and social justice issues—topics that have made U.S.-South Africa relations increasingly contentious in recent years.
What Comes Next?
While South Africa has not yet announced any reciprocal actions in response to Rasool’s expulsion, analysts suggest this development could further strain ties between the two nations. It remains to be seen whether diplomatic efforts will de-escalate tensions or if this marks the beginning of a more confrontational phase in U.S.-South Africa relations.
For now, Pretoria has signaled its intent to maintain diplomatic channels open, but with growing disagreements on both domestic and international policies, the future of this bilateral relationship remains uncertain.
