US Declares South African Ambassador Persona Non Grata Over Controversial Remarks
The United States has declared South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool persona non grata, effectively expelling him from the country following controversial remarks he made about US President Donald Trump. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday night, citing Rasool’s “race-baiting” and anti-American sentiments as the basis for the action.
Details of the Controversy
The decision came after Rasool, speaking at a foreign policy seminar in South Africa, accused President Trump of leading a white supremacist movement in the US and globally. According to Breitbart, a right-wing media outlet, Rasool criticized Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, describing it as a mobilization of “supremacist instinct” and “white victimhood” used as a “dog whistle” during the 2024 election.
Rasool, who previously served as South African Ambassador to the US from 2010 to 2015 under President Barack Obama, returned to the role in January 2025. His tenure has been marked by heightened tensions between the US and South Africa, particularly over issues such as South Africa’s property expropriation legislation and its foreign policy stance.
US Secretary of State’s Response
In his X post, Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned Rasool’s remarks, describing him as a “race-baiting politician who hates America and hates POTUS.”
“Ebrahim Rasool is a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates POTUS,” Rubio stated. “We have nothing to discuss with him, and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA.”
The declaration of persona non grata means Rasool is no longer welcome in the US and must leave the country. This rare diplomatic action underscores the severity of the rift between the two nations.
Broader Context of US-South Africa Relations
Rasool’s expulsion comes at a time of strained relations between the US and South Africa. Media reports this week suggested that Rasool had been denied meetings with top US State Department officials and Republican leaders, signaling a breakdown in diplomatic engagement.
The tensions have been fueled by disagreements over South Africa’s domestic policies, such as its property expropriation legislation, as well as its foreign policy positions, including its stance on global conflicts and alliances.
Implications for Diplomatic Relations
The expulsion of a high-ranking diplomat is a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions and could have far-reaching consequences for US-South Africa relations. It may further complicate efforts to address shared global challenges and collaborate on issues such as trade, security, and climate change.
The move also reflects the Trump administration’s hardline approach to foreign policy, particularly in response to criticism from foreign officials. By declaring Rasool persona non grata, the US has sent a clear message that it will not tolerate what it perceives as disrespect or hostility from foreign representatives.
Reactions and Next Steps
The South African government has yet to issue an official response to Rasool’s expulsion. However, the incident is likely to provoke strong reactions from South African officials and the public, potentially leading to reciprocal actions or further deterioration in bilateral relations.
As both nations navigate this diplomatic crisis, the focus will be on whether they can find common ground to de-escalate tensions and rebuild trust. The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for their partnership and their roles on the global stage.
Conclusion
The US decision to declare South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool persona non grata marks a dramatic escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The move, prompted by Rasool’s controversial remarks about President Trump, underscores the challenges of maintaining constructive dialogue in an increasingly polarized global environment. As both countries grapple with the fallout, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate nature of international diplomacy and the importance of mutual respect in fostering productive relationships.
