For ads-free news, click here.
During a Wednesday meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa initially engaged in discussions centered on trade relations and shared interests, including golf — but the cordial atmosphere did not last long.
Ramaphosa presented Trump with a book on South African golf courses when the conversation shifted dramatically. Trump introduced materials alleging violence against White South African farmers, including a video depicting white crosses along a roadside, which he cited as evidence of targeted killings. Trump further emphasized his concerns by presenting a stack of documents detailing incidents of violence against White farmers. He also referenced a video featuring South African opposition politician Julius Malema chanting slogans that were threatening towards White individuals.
Ramaphosa responded by disputing the characterization of these events as genocide, asserting that crime in South Africa affects all communities and that the government does not support such rhetoric.
The meeting became increasingly tense when Trump addressed reporters, criticizing an NBC journalist for inquiring about a separate issue involving a Qatari jet donation to the U.S. Department of Defense. Trump dismissed the question as irrelevant to the ongoing discussion about South Africa, labeling the reporter’s inquiry as disgraceful.
Despite Ramaphosa’s attempts to steer the conversation back to trade and diplomatic relations, the focus remained on the contentious topic of violence against White farmers. Trump mentioned the recent U.S. decision to grant asylum to a group of White South African farmers, a move that has been met with both support and criticism. Ramaphosa reiterated his government’s commitment to addressing crime and ensuring the safety of all citizens, regardless of race.
The meeting concluded without a clear resolution, leaving the diplomatic relationship between the United States and South Africa strained. See the videos of the exchange below:
.@POTUS shows South Africa’s President and the reporters recent news articles of white South Africans being attacked and murdered:
“White South Africans are fleeing because of the violence and racist laws.” pic.twitter.com/60kBvFKOaa
β Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 21, 2025
π¨ JUST SHOWN IN THE OVAL OFFICE: Proof of Persecution in South Africa. pic.twitter.com/rER1l8sqAU
β The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 21, 2025
In the Oval Office, @POTUS confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s denial of the shocking treatment his country’s white farmers are facing with video evidence.
Watch the video and ensuing discussion in its entirety: pic.twitter.com/SXh5L3i5AN
β Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 21, 2025
The Dennis Michael Lynch Podcast archive is available below. Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the show by downloading The DML News App or go to Apple Podcasts.