Ebrahim Rasool, South African envoy ‘no longer welcome’ in US: Rubio

Secretary of State accuses Rasool of being a “race-baiting politician” who “hates America” and President Trump.

The United States has effectively expelled South Africa’s ambassador to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool, after Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused him of being a “race-baiting politician” who “hates America” and President Donald Trump.

Rubio announced the decision on social media late Friday, declaring Rasool “persona non grata” and stating that the US had “nothing to discuss with him.” The State Department did not provide an official explanation, but the move followed Rasool’s comments during a South African think tank webinar earlier in the day.

 

During the discussion, Rasool spoke about demographic shifts in the US and linked Trump’s policies to a broader effort to preserve white political influence. He also criticised billionaire Elon Musk’s ties to far-right European figures, calling it a “dog whistle” for an “embattled white community.”

Rasool, a former anti-apartheid activist and member of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), has not yet responded to the expulsion. South Africa’s presidency called the decision “regrettable” and urged all sides to maintain diplomatic decorum.

The expulsion marks an escalation in strained relations between Washington and Pretoria. Last month, Trump froze US aid to South Africa, citing a law he claims allows land seizures from white farmers.

More recently, Trump said South African farmers were welcome to migrate to the US, offering them “a rapid pathway to citizenship.” His comments echoed those of Musk, a South African-born billionaire, who has accused President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government of enforcing “racist” ownership laws.

South Africa has denied Trump’s allegations, saying land reforms aim to address historic injustices without widespread confiscations. The ANC government has maintained that diplomatic ties with Washington remain essential despite policy disagreements.

While the US frequently expels lower-ranking diplomats, removing an ambassador is an unusual move. The designation of “persona non grata” typically results in the envoy’s immediate departure.

It remains unclear how Pretoria will respond, but the decision is likely to fuel further tensions between the two nations.