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U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he is cutting aid to South Africa, accusing the country’s leadership of planning to seize white-owned land.
Trump made the announcement just hours ago after landing at Joint Base Andrews, stating that certain groups in South Africa were being treated “very badly” and vowing to halt U.S. funding until the situation is investigated.
“South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people very badly” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, before addressing journalists. “It is a bad situation that the Radical Left Media doesn’t want to so much as mention. A massive Human Rights violation, at a minimum, is happening for all to see. The United States won’t stand for it, we will act. Also, I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!”
Trump’s remarks mirror claims made by billionaire Elon Musk, who has frequently alleged that white South Africans are being targeted in land expropriation plans. However, neither Trump nor Musk have provided concrete evidence to support their assertions.
The announcement comes just a week after Trump froze billions in foreign aid and health funding, citing the need to reassess U.S. spending abroad. The move affected several global programs, including initiatives focused on disease prevention and humanitarian assistance. Critics argue that the cuts could have devastating consequences for vulnerable populations worldwide, while Trump and his supporters claim they are necessary to prioritize American interests.
South Africa’s land ownership remains deeply unequal, a legacy of apartheid-era policies that denied the Black majority access to land and economic resources. A 2022 report by the World Inequality Lab found that the top 10% of South Africans control over 85% of the country’s wealth, while the bottom 50% hold virtually none. White South Africans, who make up less than 8% of the population, own more than 80% of privately held wealth, while Black South Africans—who make up over 80% of the population—own less than 10%.
The South African government has previously denied accusations of racial discrimination in its land reform policies, maintaining that redistribution efforts aim to address historic injustices. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) has long advocated for land reforms to correct7 disparities but insists that any changes will be handled legally and within the bounds of the constitution.
Trump’s announcement marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Washington and Pretoria. While South Africa receives limited direct financial aid from the U.S., a funding freeze could impact trade, investment, and development partnerships between the two nations. The South African government has yet to respond to Trump’s statement.
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