

Trump confronts South African leader with claim of Afrikaners being 'persecuted'
29 snips May 22, 2025
Nomia Iqbal, a Washington correspondent, dives into the heated exchange between President Trump and South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa over claims of persecution of white farmers. Their meeting reveals complexities in U.S.-South Africa relations and trade negotiations amid geopolitical tensions. Additionally, the conversation shifts to innovative malaria treatments and a major police operation against the Ndrangheta mafia. Iqbal also touches on groundbreaking climbing methods using xenon gas, raising questions about ethics and environmental impact in mountaineering.
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Trump's White Farmer Genocide Claim
- Donald Trump publicly pressed Cyril Ramaphosa over unsubstantiated claims of white farmer persecution in South Africa.
- Ramaphosa firmly denied any government policy of genocide and emphasized South Africa's democracy allows diverse expressions.
Ramaphosa's Calm Diplomacy
- Ramaphosa handled Trump's allegations with a calm, fact-focused approach avoiding bait.
- He showcased racial cooperation by involving his Afrikaans agriculture minister to disprove genocide narratives.
Selective Refugee Policy Insight
- Trump's focus on granting asylum to Afrikaners but not other persecuted groups reveals selective refugee policy.
- Influence from Elon Musk, a South African who promotes these claims, shaped Trump's emphasis on white farmers.