Tensions flare during Trump White House meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

President Donald Trump met with South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to discuss trade and diplomatic relations. The meeting became tense when Trump showed a video of South Africans allegedly threatening White Afrikaners.

During the meeting, Trump expressed doubts about the existence of a White genocide in South Africa and played a video featuring Black South Africans making threats against White people. This led to a contentious exchange between the two leaders that lasted more than a half-hour and was televised.

Despite the tensions, Ramaphosa later stated that he had productive discussions with Trump, focusing on issues of trade, investment, and golf. The South African delegation emphasized the importance of U.S. investment in South Africa and sought to ensure continued engagement between the two countries.

The meeting also touched on land seizure laws in South Africa, with Trump expressing concern about property rights. Ramaphosa clarified that landowners are compensated when the state seizes land for public purposes. The leaders also discussed the issue of violence against White farmers in South Africa, with Ramaphosa refuting claims of a genocide and emphasizing the need for a positive relationship between the two nations.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the complex relationship between the United States and South Africa, with both leaders seeking to address economic and diplomatic challenges while navigating sensitive issues related to race and land ownership.