America just showed South Africa who’s boss! Secretary of State Marco Rubio wasted no time kicking out South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool for his inflammatory comments against Trump and the MAGA movement.
At a glance:
- South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool expelled by Secretary of State Marco Rubio for anti-Trump remarks
- Rubio labeled Rasool a “race baiting politician” and declared him “persona non grata”
- Rasool given just 72 hours to leave the United States
- Tensions already high after Trump cut financial aid to South Africa over alleged white farmer persecution
- South African government expressed “regret” over the diplomatic incident
Trump Administration Takes Swift Action
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expelled South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool from the United States, giving him just 72 hours to pack his bags and leave. The dramatic move came after Rasool made comments about the MAGA movement during an online seminar, where he suggested it was a response to demographic shifts in America.
Rubio didn’t mince words when announcing his decision, labeling Rasool a “race baiting politician” who hates America and President Donald Trump. The Secretary of State officially declared the Ambassador “persona non grata,” a serious diplomatic designation meaning he is no longer welcome on American soil, and that the Trump administration is not taking any nonsense!
Strained Relations Between Nations
This expulsion will likely worsen already strained relations between the United States and South Africa under President Trump. South African presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya described the situation as “regrettable” and stressed the importance of maintaining diplomatic decorum.
President Trump previously cut financial aid to South Africa, citing the alleged persecution of white farmers and South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The relationship deteriorated further when both Secretary Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent skipped important G20 meetings hosted by South Africa, citing fundamental disagreements with the agenda.
🔵
🚨 U.S. EXPELS SOUTH AFRICAN AMBASSADOR IN DIPLOMATIC SHOWDOWNSecretary Rubio calls Ambassador Rasool a "race-baiting politician" who "hates America." Rasool declared persona non grata as U.S.-South Africa tensions hit a boiling point.#DiplomaticCrisis #USPolitics #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/cnE02DqMvZ— News Now (@NewsNowUS) March 15, 2025
More Trouble for South Africa
Rasool’s expulsion comes amid other challenges for South Africa on the international stage, including criticism from influential figures like Elon Musk. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has publicly criticized South Africa’s ownership laws, which he claims prevent him from expanding his Starlink satellite internet service within the country.
US Expels South Africa’s Ambassador Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions https://t.co/VKY8uvUFo3 @DailyJusticeAct @marcorubio
— Daily Justice (Nuclear ☢️ Powered) (@DailyJusticeAct) March 14, 2025
The South African Foreign Ministry has confirmed the expulsion order, acknowledging that Rasool was formally informed by the U.S. State Department about his removal. The decisive action again demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to defending American values and holding foreign diplomats accountable.
