Trump Confronts Ramaphosa Over Debunked ‘White Genocide’ Claims in Oval Office Showdown
Washington, D.C. – May 22, 2025
In a high-stakes diplomatic encounter at the White House this week, former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently campaigning for a return to the Oval Office, confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with debunked claims of a “white genocide” targeting farmers in South Africa. The meeting, intended to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss trade issues, took an unexpected turn as Trump presented a series of controversial videos and articles supporting what international observers have repeatedly labeled as conspiracy theories.
According to sources familiar with the meeting, Trump opened his remarks by claiming that white farmers in South Africa were being systematically killed and displaced by government-sanctioned land reform policies. He cited fringe media outlets and social media footage, demanding an explanation from Ramaphosa. Witnesses described the exchange as tense and highly uncomfortable.
President Ramaphosa, visibly unsettled but composed, firmly rejected the narrative. He responded by reiterating that South Africa’s land reform initiatives aim to correct historical injustices stemming from apartheid, and that they are being implemented within the framework of the constitution. He condemned violence in all forms, stating that attacks on farmers—regardless of race—are part of the country’s broader crime challenges and not a targeted campaign against any ethnic group.
“This narrative of ‘white genocide’ is not only false—it is dangerous,” Ramaphosa reportedly said. “It undermines the sovereignty of our nation and the integrity of our democratic institutions.”
The term “white genocide” has been propagated by far-right groups globally, often used to stir racial animosity and xenophobia. Multiple investigations by human rights groups, journalists, and international agencies have debunked these claims, citing a lack of evidence that white farmers are being targeted more than other South African citizens.
Trump, who has flirted with the narrative before—most notably in a 2018 tweet calling on then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to look into “the large-scale killing of farmers”—appeared undeterred. He insisted that he was voicing concerns shared by many in the global community and “looking out for people who are being ignored.”
Diplomatic experts and political analysts have described the encounter as a diplomatic misstep. “It’s an inappropriate use of a bilateral meeting,” said Angela Wright, a senior fellow at the International Policy Forum. “Instead of focusing on trade, energy, or regional security, Trump chose to revive a debunked racial myth. It’s damaging, not just for U.S.-South Africa relations, but for global diplomacy.”
The timing of the controversy is particularly sensitive. Just days earlier, the U.S. imposed a 30% tariff on South African imports, citing trade imbalances and lack of compliance with international labor standards. Many in South Africa view the tariffs as punitive and linked to Trump’s political rhetoric, further straining ties between the two nations.
In a follow-up press briefing, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson said the South African leader “remains committed to constructive dialogue” but cautioned against the use of “inflammatory and misleading narratives” that could incite division.
As Trump continues his campaign trail with fiery rhetoric and controversial claims, the meeting serves as a stark reminder of the deep ideological divides that continue to shape global politics.