Trump Cuts Aid to South Africa Over Land Law, Foreign Policy Issues

(MENAFN) US President Donald trump has signed an executive order reducing financial assistance to South Africa, citing the country's controversial land expropriation law, its case against Israel for genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and its growing ties with Iran. The White House announced the decision on Friday.

The order outlines that the United States will no longer support the South African government due to its alleged human rights violations and actions that undermine US foreign policy, which Trump argues threaten national security and the interests of the US, its allies, and African partners.

A primary target of the order is South Africa’s land expropriation policy, which allows land to be seized without compensation. Trump has openly criticized the policy, stating, “South Africa is confiscating land,” and asserting that "certain classes of people" are being treated “very badly.”

The executive order also includes provisions to assist Afrikaner refugees fleeing race-based discrimination allegedly sanctioned by the South African government. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa defended the legislation, asserting that it does not amount to land confiscation.

MENAFN09022025000045017092ID1109184871