Former U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended financial aid to South Africa, citing land expropriation concerns. He claims the country is "confiscating" land and mistreating citizens. South African officials reject the allegations, stating the law aims to address apartheid-era injustices. The decision has sparked international debate and criticism.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the suspension of future financial aid to South Africa, citing concerns over land confiscation and alleged mistreatment of certain groups. His statement follows South Africa's new land expropriation bill, which permits the government to acquire property under specific conditions without compensation.
Trump’s remarks, made on his Truth Social platform, claimed that South Africa was "confiscating land" and treating some citizens "very badly." He demanded an investigation into the policy before any financial aid would resume.
The land reform issue remains highly divisive, with critics fearing a repeat of Zimbabwe’s controversial land seizures. The South African government, however, maintains that the law does not permit arbitrary land grabs and aims to address historical injustices from apartheid-era land dispossession.
Billionaire Elon Musk, a vocal Trump supporter and South African native, has previously criticized land expropriation policies, joining conservative voices who argue that white landowners could be unfairly targeted. Trump’s circle also includes influential figures from South Africa and Namibia, such as PayPal co-founders Peter Thiel and David Sacks.
South African officials have dismissed Trump’s accusations, reiterating that expropriation will follow legal due process and align with constitutional guidelines. Despite international backlash, Pretoria insists the reform is essential to rectify long-standing disparities in land ownership.
The U.S. government has yet to confirm whether Trump’s announcement reflects official policy or if the suspension of funds will take effect.
