In a contentious Oval Office meeting on May 21, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with allegations of a “white genocide” occurring in South Africa. Trump presented videos and news clippings purportedly depicting the persecution of white South Africans, particularly farmers, prompting Ramaphosa to refute the claims.

Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa’s high murder rates predominantly affect Black citizens and clarified that no farms had been expropriated under the new land reform law aimed at addressing apartheid-era injustices. He maintained that the government’s policies do not support racial violence and that such narratives are not reflective of official policy.

The meeting, intended to focus on strengthening U.S.-South African trade and diplomatic relations, was overshadowed by Trump’s accusations. Despite the tense exchange, Ramaphosa remained composed, supported by prominent white South Africans like golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen and billionaire Johann Rupert.

The confrontation has drawn criticism from various quarters, with observers describing it as a diplomatic ambush. South African officials have previously refuted claims of targeted violence against white farmers, citing police statistics that contradict allegations of racial persecution.

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