'Blindsided': South African newspaper accuses Trump of hoodwinking nation's leader
Jennifer Bowers Bahney
May 21, 2025
Tom Boggioni
May 21, 2025
Jennifer Bowers Bahney
May 21, 2025
RAW STORY
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa looks on as he meets U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
The Sunday Times based in Johannesburg, South Africa, accused President Donald Trump of blindsiding the African nation's leader who arrived in Washington Wednesday for an Oval Office meeting.
"US president Donald Trump blindsided his counterpart President Cyril Ramaphosa during their meeting in the White House's Oval Office by playing a montage of video clips of EFF leader Julius Malema singing about killing white people," the Times published.
The EFF, or Economic Freedom Fighters, are described as a "South African Marxist–Leninist and pan-Africanist political party."
"Just moments after Ramaphosa answered a question on the false white genocide narrative, Trump asked for the lights to be dimmed and the collation of the Malema clips was played," the Times reported.
Malema can be heard singing "Kill the Boer," referring to the Dutch-speaking colonists now known as Afrikaners.
Trump repeated his unsubstantiated claim that "thousands" of white Afrikaners were clamoring to get into the United States as refugees because they were "afraid of being killed" in a "white genocide." Trump called it "the opposite of apartheid" and said the U.S. press would never report on it.
"Ramaphosa had just told Trump that he would allow, in their private meeting, his delegation... to explain to him that there was no white genocide in the country."
That's when the paper said Trump "jumped in and directed that the video clip be played."
Ramaphosa's delegation included his minister of agriculture and Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen, billionaire Johann Rupert and golfer Ernie Els, "all of whom are white," according to the paper.
"The playing of the clip...came after a South African reporter asked Trump what it would take for him to be convinced that there was no white genocide in South Africa," the Times reported.
"Ramaphosa jumped in to respond to the question, saying, 'Well I can answer that for the President,' with Trump agreeing, 'I would rather have him answer,'" the paper reported.
“It will take President Trump listening to the voices of South Africans, some of whom are his good friends like those who are here," Ramaphosa continued. "But when we have talks between us around a quiet table it will take President Trump to listen to them, I'm not going to be repeating what I've been saying, I would say if there was Afrikaner farmer genocide I can bet you these three gentlemen would not be here, including my minister of agriculture, he would not be with me.
“So it would take him, President Trump, listening to their stories, to their perspectives, that is the answer to your question.”
Read The Sunday Times Johannesburg article here.
CNN fact-checks 'truly extraordinary' Trump attack on president of South Africa
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa looks on as he meets U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
The Sunday Times based in Johannesburg, South Africa, accused President Donald Trump of blindsiding the African nation's leader who arrived in Washington Wednesday for an Oval Office meeting.
"US president Donald Trump blindsided his counterpart President Cyril Ramaphosa during their meeting in the White House's Oval Office by playing a montage of video clips of EFF leader Julius Malema singing about killing white people," the Times published.
The EFF, or Economic Freedom Fighters, are described as a "South African Marxist–Leninist and pan-Africanist political party."
"Just moments after Ramaphosa answered a question on the false white genocide narrative, Trump asked for the lights to be dimmed and the collation of the Malema clips was played," the Times reported.
Malema can be heard singing "Kill the Boer," referring to the Dutch-speaking colonists now known as Afrikaners.
Trump repeated his unsubstantiated claim that "thousands" of white Afrikaners were clamoring to get into the United States as refugees because they were "afraid of being killed" in a "white genocide." Trump called it "the opposite of apartheid" and said the U.S. press would never report on it.
"Ramaphosa had just told Trump that he would allow, in their private meeting, his delegation... to explain to him that there was no white genocide in the country."
That's when the paper said Trump "jumped in and directed that the video clip be played."
Ramaphosa's delegation included his minister of agriculture and Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen, billionaire Johann Rupert and golfer Ernie Els, "all of whom are white," according to the paper.
"The playing of the clip...came after a South African reporter asked Trump what it would take for him to be convinced that there was no white genocide in South Africa," the Times reported.
"Ramaphosa jumped in to respond to the question, saying, 'Well I can answer that for the President,' with Trump agreeing, 'I would rather have him answer,'" the paper reported.
“It will take President Trump listening to the voices of South Africans, some of whom are his good friends like those who are here," Ramaphosa continued. "But when we have talks between us around a quiet table it will take President Trump to listen to them, I'm not going to be repeating what I've been saying, I would say if there was Afrikaner farmer genocide I can bet you these three gentlemen would not be here, including my minister of agriculture, he would not be with me.
“So it would take him, President Trump, listening to their stories, to their perspectives, that is the answer to your question.”
Read The Sunday Times Johannesburg article here.
CNN fact-checks 'truly extraordinary' Trump attack on president of South Africa
Tom Boggioni
May 21, 2025
RAW STORY
CNN's Dana Bash commenting on Oval Office meeting. (CNN screenshot)
CNN host Dana Bash and fact-checker Daniel Dale pounced on Donald Trump Wednesday afternoon after the U.S. president "ambushed" South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office with patently false claims of murders of white farmers in his country.
After Trump showed a highly manipulative video disparaging South Africa, he followed up by making sweeping assertions and arguing with the African leader, which seemed to have stunned CNN's Bash.
Cutting away, Bash told her audience, "Okay we're going to continue to monitor what has been a truly extraordinary what? Half an hour plus inside the Oval Office. I just, I want to go back to Daniel Dale because there's a lot of fact-checking to do."
Dale jumped in, explaining, "The last nine months of 2024 in South Africa: 19,696 murders. How many of them occurred on farms? 36."
"36 about 0.2 percent," he re-emphasized. "That includes employees like security staff, farm workers. How many of them were actual farmers? Seven out of more than 19,000 and it's not even clear that those are all white farmers. Contrary to what the president said, many farmers in South Africa are Black."
"Even the white ones who have been victims of crime, it's not clear, have been targeted for racial reasons," he elaborated. "Experts and white farmers themselves in South Africa have repeatedly told media outlets and think tanks that they feel they are often targeted for robbery and even attacks because they are geographically isolated and therefore vulnerable."
You can watch below or at the link.
CNN's Dana Bash commenting on Oval Office meeting. (CNN screenshot)
CNN host Dana Bash and fact-checker Daniel Dale pounced on Donald Trump Wednesday afternoon after the U.S. president "ambushed" South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office with patently false claims of murders of white farmers in his country.
After Trump showed a highly manipulative video disparaging South Africa, he followed up by making sweeping assertions and arguing with the African leader, which seemed to have stunned CNN's Bash.
Cutting away, Bash told her audience, "Okay we're going to continue to monitor what has been a truly extraordinary what? Half an hour plus inside the Oval Office. I just, I want to go back to Daniel Dale because there's a lot of fact-checking to do."
Dale jumped in, explaining, "The last nine months of 2024 in South Africa: 19,696 murders. How many of them occurred on farms? 36."
"36 about 0.2 percent," he re-emphasized. "That includes employees like security staff, farm workers. How many of them were actual farmers? Seven out of more than 19,000 and it's not even clear that those are all white farmers. Contrary to what the president said, many farmers in South Africa are Black."
"Even the white ones who have been victims of crime, it's not clear, have been targeted for racial reasons," he elaborated. "Experts and white farmers themselves in South Africa have repeatedly told media outlets and think tanks that they feel they are often targeted for robbery and even attacks because they are geographically isolated and therefore vulnerable."
You can watch below or at the link.
'No, no, no, no!' South African president refutes Trump's claim of reverse Apartheid
Jennifer Bowers Bahney
May 21, 2025
RAW ST0RY
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump (CNN screenshot)
President Donald Trump continued to repeat his unsubstantiated claim of "white genocide" in South Africa — calling it the "opposite of Apartheid" — as the country's president looked clearly uncomfortable sitting next to him in the Oval Office.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa tried to respond to Trump's insistence that "thousands of white South Africans" were seeking refugee status in the United States because they were "afraid of being killed."
"You do allow them to take land," Trump claimed as Ramaphosa protested.
"No, no, no, no, no! Nobody can —"
Trump interrupted, "Then, when they take the land, they kill the white farmer. And when they kill the white farmer, nothing happens to them."
"No, there is —"
"Nothing happens," Trump repeated.
Earlier, Ramaphosa tried to explain that far more Black South Africans are killed than white Afrikaners.
But, no matter the question from the press, Trump continued to return to his theory of a "white genocide" — over and over again.
"I will say that, people are fleeing South Africa for their own safety. Their land is being confiscated, and in many cases they're being killed. And, that scene of — you see how many crosses they had. Those crosses, that's a dead person in every one of them. And those trucks or cars are paying their respects to all of those dead people on a Sunday morning."
Ramaphosa shifted in his seat beside Trump, running his hand over his face.
"That's a rough thing to explain away," Trump continued. "A correct and a fair media exposes things. But we have a very corrupt media. They won't even report this. If this were the other way around this would be the biggest story. Now, I will say, Apartheid — terrible. That was reported all the time. This is sort of the opposite of Apartheid. What's happening now is never reported."
Watch the clip below via CNN or click here.
'Truly fake': Trump lashes out about Afrikaner refugees in front of South Africa president
Jennifer Bowers Bahney
May 21, 2025
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and U.S. President Donald Trump (CNN screenshot)
During his Oval Office meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Wednesday, Donald Trump lashed out at the "fake news" for asking a question about white Afrikaners being granted refugee status in the United States over unsubstantiated claims of "genocide."
NBC's Peter Alexander was the first to ask, "Can you explain to Americans why it's appropriate to welcome white Afrikaners here when other refugees like Afghans, Venezuelans, Haitians have all had their protected status revoked?"
"Well, this is a group, NBC, that is truly fake news," Trump began. "They ask a lot of questions in a very pointed way. They're not questions, they're statements."
Trump continued, "We've had tremendous complaints about Africa, about other countries, too, from people. they say there's a lot of bad things going on in Africa. And that's what we're going to be discussing today.
When you say we don't take others, all you have to do is take a look at the southern border. We let 21 million people come through our border totally unchecked, totally unvetted. They came from all over the world.
Trump repeated his claim that "they come from prisons, they come from mental institutions, they come from street gangs, and drug dealers."
"So don't say that we didn't take them. We take them. We're trying to get them out as fast as we can, and we're doing record business on that.
"But, we do have, a lot of a lot of people are very concerned with regard to South Africa. and that's really the purpose of the meeting, and we'll see how that turns out. But we have many people that feel they're being persecuted, and they're coming to the United States. And we take from many, many locations if we feel there's persecution or genocide going on. And we had a lot of people."
Trump then turned to President Ramaphosa, saying, "I must tell you, Mr. president, we have had a tremendous number of people, especially since they've seen this, generally, they're white farmers and they're fleeing South Africa. And it's a, you know, it's a very sad thing to see, but I hope we can have an explanation of that, because I know you don't want that. And it's, you know, it's a kind of a different meeting. Normally we have meetings, we talk about trade, and we'll be talking about trade and other things, but that certainly will be a subject that comes up."
Watch the clip below via CNN.
Jennifer Bowers Bahney
May 21, 2025
RAW STORY
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and U.S. President Donald Trump (CNN screenshot)
During his Oval Office meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Wednesday, Donald Trump lashed out at the "fake news" for asking a question about white Afrikaners being granted refugee status in the United States over unsubstantiated claims of "genocide."
NBC's Peter Alexander was the first to ask, "Can you explain to Americans why it's appropriate to welcome white Afrikaners here when other refugees like Afghans, Venezuelans, Haitians have all had their protected status revoked?"
"Well, this is a group, NBC, that is truly fake news," Trump began. "They ask a lot of questions in a very pointed way. They're not questions, they're statements."
Trump continued, "We've had tremendous complaints about Africa, about other countries, too, from people. they say there's a lot of bad things going on in Africa. And that's what we're going to be discussing today.
When you say we don't take others, all you have to do is take a look at the southern border. We let 21 million people come through our border totally unchecked, totally unvetted. They came from all over the world.
Trump repeated his claim that "they come from prisons, they come from mental institutions, they come from street gangs, and drug dealers."
"So don't say that we didn't take them. We take them. We're trying to get them out as fast as we can, and we're doing record business on that.
"But, we do have, a lot of a lot of people are very concerned with regard to South Africa. and that's really the purpose of the meeting, and we'll see how that turns out. But we have many people that feel they're being persecuted, and they're coming to the United States. And we take from many, many locations if we feel there's persecution or genocide going on. And we had a lot of people."
Trump then turned to President Ramaphosa, saying, "I must tell you, Mr. president, we have had a tremendous number of people, especially since they've seen this, generally, they're white farmers and they're fleeing South Africa. And it's a, you know, it's a very sad thing to see, but I hope we can have an explanation of that, because I know you don't want that. And it's, you know, it's a kind of a different meeting. Normally we have meetings, we talk about trade, and we'll be talking about trade and other things, but that certainly will be a subject that comes up."
Watch the clip below via CNN.
The Ambush Office: Trump’s Oval becomes test of nerve for world leaders
By AFP
May 21, 2025
Trump has turned what were staid diplomatic "photo sprays" under his predecessor Joe Biden into punishing, hour-long tests of nerve in the heart of the US presidency, played out on live television - Copyright AFP Jim WATSON
Danny KEMP
For world leaders an invitation to the Oval Office used to be a coveted prize. Under Donald Trump it’s become a ticket to a brutal political ambush.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa became the latest victim in a long line that started with Trump’s notorious row with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky in February.
Trump has turned what were staid diplomatic “photo sprays” under his predecessor Joe Biden into punishing, hour-long tests of nerve in the heart of the US presidency, played out on live television.
The sight has become all too familiar — a world leader perched nervously on the edge of their gold-upholstered chair in front of the famed fireplace, waiting to see what happens.
Will the 78-year-old Republican lay on the charm? Will he show off the new gold-plated decor he has been proudly installing in the Oval? Will he challenge his guest on tariffs or trade or US military assistance?
Or will he simply tear into them?
Nobody knows before they get there. All they know is that when the cameras are allowed into the most exclusive room in the White House, they will be treading the most perilous of political tightropes.
And the hot, confined space of the Oval Office adds to the pressure-cooker environment as the unpredictable billionaire seeks to wrongfoot his guests and gain the upper hand.
– ‘Turn the lights down’ –
Trump set the benchmark when he hosted Zelensky on February 28.
Tensions over Trump’s sudden pivot towards Russia spilled into the open as a red-faced US president berated the Ukrainian leader and accused him of being ungrateful for US military aid against Russia.
Many wondered if it was a deliberate ambush — especially as Vice President JD Vance appeared to step in to trigger the row.
Whether or not it was on purpose, the goal in foreign capitals ever since has been to “avoid a Zelensky.”
But Ramaphosa’s visit to the Oval on Wednesday was the closest yet to a repeat — and this time it was clearly planned.
Ramaphosa arrived with top South African golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen in tow, hoping to take the edge off the golf-mad Trump’s unfounded claims of a “genocide” against white South African farmers.
But his face was a picture of bemusement when after a question on the issue, Trump suddenly said to aides and said: “Turn the lights down, and just put this on.”
A video of South African politicians chanting “kill the farmer” began to play on a screen set up at the side of the room. A stunned Ramaphosa looked at the screen, then at Trump, and then back at the screen.
Yet unlike Zelensky, who argued back with an increasingly enraged Trump, the South African president largely stayed calm as he argued his case.
Nor was he asked to leave the White House as Zelensky was, causing the Ukrainian to miss lunch.
– ‘Ratings GOLD!’ –
Other leaders have also done their homework. Some have emerged mostly unscathed, or even with some credit.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, despite some nervous body language, stood his ground against Trump’s calls for his country to become the 51st US state and insisted that his country was “never for sale.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer won over Trump with a letter from King Charles III, while French President Emmanuel Macron kept up his touch-feely bromance with the US president.
Trump’s ideological allies have often fared even better. El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele had a major Oval Office love-fest after agreeing to take migrants at a mega-prison in the Central American country.
But even some close allies have been wrongfooted.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a warm welcome as the first foreign guest of Trump’s second term, but it was a different story when he returned in April.
Cameras in the Oval Office caught his stunned face when Trump announced that Washington was starting direct talks with Iran.
For Trump, though, it’s all part of a presidency that he increasingly treats like a reality show.
Trump himself quipped after the Zelensky meeting that it was “going to be great television”, and one of his advisers was just as explicit after the Ramaphosa meeting.
“This is literally being watched globally right now,” Jason Miller said on X, along with a picture of the encounter on multiple screens. “Ratings GOLD!”
By AFP
May 21, 2025
Trump has turned what were staid diplomatic "photo sprays" under his predecessor Joe Biden into punishing, hour-long tests of nerve in the heart of the US presidency, played out on live television - Copyright AFP Jim WATSON
Danny KEMP
For world leaders an invitation to the Oval Office used to be a coveted prize. Under Donald Trump it’s become a ticket to a brutal political ambush.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa became the latest victim in a long line that started with Trump’s notorious row with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky in February.
Trump has turned what were staid diplomatic “photo sprays” under his predecessor Joe Biden into punishing, hour-long tests of nerve in the heart of the US presidency, played out on live television.
The sight has become all too familiar — a world leader perched nervously on the edge of their gold-upholstered chair in front of the famed fireplace, waiting to see what happens.
Will the 78-year-old Republican lay on the charm? Will he show off the new gold-plated decor he has been proudly installing in the Oval? Will he challenge his guest on tariffs or trade or US military assistance?
Or will he simply tear into them?
Nobody knows before they get there. All they know is that when the cameras are allowed into the most exclusive room in the White House, they will be treading the most perilous of political tightropes.
And the hot, confined space of the Oval Office adds to the pressure-cooker environment as the unpredictable billionaire seeks to wrongfoot his guests and gain the upper hand.
– ‘Turn the lights down’ –
Trump set the benchmark when he hosted Zelensky on February 28.
Tensions over Trump’s sudden pivot towards Russia spilled into the open as a red-faced US president berated the Ukrainian leader and accused him of being ungrateful for US military aid against Russia.
Many wondered if it was a deliberate ambush — especially as Vice President JD Vance appeared to step in to trigger the row.
Whether or not it was on purpose, the goal in foreign capitals ever since has been to “avoid a Zelensky.”
But Ramaphosa’s visit to the Oval on Wednesday was the closest yet to a repeat — and this time it was clearly planned.
Ramaphosa arrived with top South African golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen in tow, hoping to take the edge off the golf-mad Trump’s unfounded claims of a “genocide” against white South African farmers.
But his face was a picture of bemusement when after a question on the issue, Trump suddenly said to aides and said: “Turn the lights down, and just put this on.”
A video of South African politicians chanting “kill the farmer” began to play on a screen set up at the side of the room. A stunned Ramaphosa looked at the screen, then at Trump, and then back at the screen.
Yet unlike Zelensky, who argued back with an increasingly enraged Trump, the South African president largely stayed calm as he argued his case.
Nor was he asked to leave the White House as Zelensky was, causing the Ukrainian to miss lunch.
– ‘Ratings GOLD!’ –
Other leaders have also done their homework. Some have emerged mostly unscathed, or even with some credit.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, despite some nervous body language, stood his ground against Trump’s calls for his country to become the 51st US state and insisted that his country was “never for sale.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer won over Trump with a letter from King Charles III, while French President Emmanuel Macron kept up his touch-feely bromance with the US president.
Trump’s ideological allies have often fared even better. El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele had a major Oval Office love-fest after agreeing to take migrants at a mega-prison in the Central American country.
But even some close allies have been wrongfooted.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a warm welcome as the first foreign guest of Trump’s second term, but it was a different story when he returned in April.
Cameras in the Oval Office caught his stunned face when Trump announced that Washington was starting direct talks with Iran.
For Trump, though, it’s all part of a presidency that he increasingly treats like a reality show.
Trump himself quipped after the Zelensky meeting that it was “going to be great television”, and one of his advisers was just as explicit after the Ramaphosa meeting.
“This is literally being watched globally right now,” Jason Miller said on X, along with a picture of the encounter on multiple screens. “Ratings GOLD!”
Trump confronts South Africa's Ramaphosa over baseless claims of systemic killing of white farmers
Copyright Evan Vucci/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved
By Malek Fouda
Published on 22/05/2025
Copyright Evan Vucci/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved
By Malek Fouda
Published on 22/05/2025
Trump accused South Africa’s government, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa of not addressing what his administration believe is a genocide on white minorities in a tense meeting in the Oval Office.
US President Donald Trump used a White House meeting to forcefully confront South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing the country of failing to address Trump's baseless claim of the systematic killing of white farmers.
In an astonishing display, Trump even dimmed the lights in the Oval Office to play a video of a far-left politician singing a song with the lyrics “kill the farmer.”
He also reviewed news articles to emphasise his argument, stating that the nation's white farmers have encountered “death, death, death, horrible death.”
Trump had previously terminated all US aid to South Africa and extended a welcome to numerous white South African farmers, granting them refugee status in the United States, while advocating the notion that a "genocide" is unfolding in the nation.
The 47th US president has initiated a series of allegations against the Black-led government of South Africa, asserting that it is confiscating land from white farmers, implementing policies that are discriminatory towards whites, and adopting a foreign policy that is antagonistic towards Washington.
“People are fleeing South Africa for their own safety,” Trump said. “Their land is being confiscated and in many cases they’re being killed.”
US President Donald Trump used a White House meeting to forcefully confront South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing the country of failing to address Trump's baseless claim of the systematic killing of white farmers.
In an astonishing display, Trump even dimmed the lights in the Oval Office to play a video of a far-left politician singing a song with the lyrics “kill the farmer.”
He also reviewed news articles to emphasise his argument, stating that the nation's white farmers have encountered “death, death, death, horrible death.”
Trump had previously terminated all US aid to South Africa and extended a welcome to numerous white South African farmers, granting them refugee status in the United States, while advocating the notion that a "genocide" is unfolding in the nation.
The 47th US president has initiated a series of allegations against the Black-led government of South Africa, asserting that it is confiscating land from white farmers, implementing policies that are discriminatory towards whites, and adopting a foreign policy that is antagonistic towards Washington.
“People are fleeing South Africa for their own safety,” Trump said. “Their land is being confiscated and in many cases they’re being killed.”
President Donald Trump speaks as he meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Washington
Evan Vucci/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved
According to experts in South Africa, there is no evidence to suggest that whites are being specifically targeted due to their race; however, farmers of all ethnic backgrounds are victims of violent home invasions in a nation with a notoriously high crime rate.
Ramaphosa countered Trump's allegations, aiming to clarify the situation and restore South Africa's ties with the United States. The bilateral relationship currently stands at its lowest level since the end of apartheid in 1994.
“We are completely opposed to that,” Ramaphosa said of the behaviour alleged by Trump in their exchange. He added, “that is not government policy” and “our government policy is completely, completely against what he was saying.”
Trump quickly countered saying “When they take the land, they kill the white farmer.”
The US president appeared prepared to confront Ramaphosa in the Oval Office, a scene which has been of frequent occurrence since Trump and Vice President JD Vance shouted at visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a few months ago.
According to experts in South Africa, there is no evidence to suggest that whites are being specifically targeted due to their race; however, farmers of all ethnic backgrounds are victims of violent home invasions in a nation with a notoriously high crime rate.
Ramaphosa countered Trump's allegations, aiming to clarify the situation and restore South Africa's ties with the United States. The bilateral relationship currently stands at its lowest level since the end of apartheid in 1994.
“We are completely opposed to that,” Ramaphosa said of the behaviour alleged by Trump in their exchange. He added, “that is not government policy” and “our government policy is completely, completely against what he was saying.”
Trump quickly countered saying “When they take the land, they kill the white farmer.”
The US president appeared prepared to confront Ramaphosa in the Oval Office, a scene which has been of frequent occurrence since Trump and Vice President JD Vance shouted at visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a few months ago.
President Donald Trump greets South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in WashingtonJulia Demaree Nikhinson/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved.
Videos were cued on a large television screen to display a segment featuring Julius Malema, the leader of an opposition party, performing a classic anti-apartheid song.
The song has sparked controversy in the nation for many years due to its provocative lyrics, which include the phrases 'kill the Boer' and 'shoot the Boer,' with 'Boer' denoting a white farmer. Malema, who appears in the video, is not affiliated with the current governing coalition.
Another segment displayed white crosses along a roadside, identified as a tribute to white farmers who have lost their lives. Ramaphosa appeared perplexed, stating, “I’d like to know where that is, because this I’ve never seen.”
The references made by the Trump administration to the Afrikaner population, which descends from Dutch and other European settlers, have further amplified earlier assertions put forth by Trump's South African-born advisor Elon Musk and various conservative commentators in the United States.
Videos were cued on a large television screen to display a segment featuring Julius Malema, the leader of an opposition party, performing a classic anti-apartheid song.
The song has sparked controversy in the nation for many years due to its provocative lyrics, which include the phrases 'kill the Boer' and 'shoot the Boer,' with 'Boer' denoting a white farmer. Malema, who appears in the video, is not affiliated with the current governing coalition.
Another segment displayed white crosses along a roadside, identified as a tribute to white farmers who have lost their lives. Ramaphosa appeared perplexed, stating, “I’d like to know where that is, because this I’ve never seen.”
The references made by the Trump administration to the Afrikaner population, which descends from Dutch and other European settlers, have further amplified earlier assertions put forth by Trump's South African-born advisor Elon Musk and various conservative commentators in the United States.
President Donald Trump meets South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in WashingtonEvan Vucci/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved
These claims suggest that the South African government is permitting assaults on white farmers, which they constitute as a form of genocide.
Ramaphosa entered the meeting aiming to steer clear of the contentious interactions that Zelenskyy faced during his February visit. That unfortunate meeting concluded with White House officials requesting Zelenskyy and his team to vacate the premises.
After the heated discussion captured by the media, Trump invited Ramaphosa for a luncheon and additional discussions. Ramaphosa, addressing reporters after his visit to the White House, downplayed Trump's criticisms, asserting that their private conversation did not focus on the US president’s concerns regarding white farmers.
“You wanted to see drama and something really big happening,” he said, “And I’m sorry that we disappointed you somewhat when it comes to that.”
These claims suggest that the South African government is permitting assaults on white farmers, which they constitute as a form of genocide.
Ramaphosa entered the meeting aiming to steer clear of the contentious interactions that Zelenskyy faced during his February visit. That unfortunate meeting concluded with White House officials requesting Zelenskyy and his team to vacate the premises.
After the heated discussion captured by the media, Trump invited Ramaphosa for a luncheon and additional discussions. Ramaphosa, addressing reporters after his visit to the White House, downplayed Trump's criticisms, asserting that their private conversation did not focus on the US president’s concerns regarding white farmers.
“You wanted to see drama and something really big happening,” he said, “And I’m sorry that we disappointed you somewhat when it comes to that.”
Ex-Bush speechwriter torches new White House 'reality show': 'Goat behind curtain No. 3?'
Daniel Hampton
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MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace thinks Trump just 'humiliated' Americans — again
Sarah K. Burris
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RAW STORY
Golfer Ernie Els speaks in the Oval Office during a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
A former speech writer for George W. Bush reamed President Donald Trump on Wednesday for "sandbagging" South Africa's president during what he called a test run of a "new reality show in the White House: "Surprise the World Leader."
David Frum, an Atlantic writer who has long identified as a conservative Republican but has become an outspoken critic of the modern Republican Party under Donald Trump, joined CNN anchor Erin Burnett on Wednesday on her show "OutFront" to discuss Trump's jaw-dropping meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
"So David, you know, you watched the South African president there—I mean, he was really direct and really clear and really firm. But he did it in a calm way," Burnett began. "And he didn’t mince his words. What went through your mind as you watched all that—Trump holding up a piece of paper and saying these people are the victims of genocide—the South African president just calmly saying 'no'?"
Frum likened Trump's bizarre meeting to a new reality TV show.
"Well, it looks like we were maybe promoting or testing a new reality show in the White House: "Surprise the World Leader" —where world leaders will come for prizes, or else they'll get a goat behind curtain number three if they’re on the president’s bad mood. So we’ve had bad surprises for [Ukraine President Volodymyr] Zelensky and Ramaphosa, but maybe there’s a nice surprise for you."
Frump said typically, meetings with world leaders are highly "choreographed" with any areas of disagreement generally "quite small."
"They are to be worked out at the highest level. And the meetings are there for a purpose. In this case, the president just sandbagged somebody," Frum railed.
The Atlantic writer acknowledged the United States has legitimate gripes with the country, as South Africa has led efforts to bring a false accusation against Israel.
"That’s a real issue," he conceded.
But not what Trump peddled.
"But on the farmers? Ramaphosa is in trouble at home from the person quoted in that video because he has been a friend to commercial farmers, many of them white," said Frum.
Trump confronted Ramaphosa with a video montage and images alleging widespread persecution and killings of white farmers in South Africa. Trump asserted that white farmers are "escaping South Africa" due to targeted violence and that they are victims of "genocide," a claim he has repeated.
Ramaphosa strongly refuted Trump’s claims, saying that while violent crime is a serious issue in the country, there is no evidence of a genocide against white farmers.
Watch the clip below or at this link.
Golfer Ernie Els speaks in the Oval Office during a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
A former speech writer for George W. Bush reamed President Donald Trump on Wednesday for "sandbagging" South Africa's president during what he called a test run of a "new reality show in the White House: "Surprise the World Leader."
David Frum, an Atlantic writer who has long identified as a conservative Republican but has become an outspoken critic of the modern Republican Party under Donald Trump, joined CNN anchor Erin Burnett on Wednesday on her show "OutFront" to discuss Trump's jaw-dropping meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
"So David, you know, you watched the South African president there—I mean, he was really direct and really clear and really firm. But he did it in a calm way," Burnett began. "And he didn’t mince his words. What went through your mind as you watched all that—Trump holding up a piece of paper and saying these people are the victims of genocide—the South African president just calmly saying 'no'?"
Frum likened Trump's bizarre meeting to a new reality TV show.
"Well, it looks like we were maybe promoting or testing a new reality show in the White House: "Surprise the World Leader" —where world leaders will come for prizes, or else they'll get a goat behind curtain number three if they’re on the president’s bad mood. So we’ve had bad surprises for [Ukraine President Volodymyr] Zelensky and Ramaphosa, but maybe there’s a nice surprise for you."
Frump said typically, meetings with world leaders are highly "choreographed" with any areas of disagreement generally "quite small."
"They are to be worked out at the highest level. And the meetings are there for a purpose. In this case, the president just sandbagged somebody," Frum railed.
The Atlantic writer acknowledged the United States has legitimate gripes with the country, as South Africa has led efforts to bring a false accusation against Israel.
"That’s a real issue," he conceded.
But not what Trump peddled.
"But on the farmers? Ramaphosa is in trouble at home from the person quoted in that video because he has been a friend to commercial farmers, many of them white," said Frum.
Trump confronted Ramaphosa with a video montage and images alleging widespread persecution and killings of white farmers in South Africa. Trump asserted that white farmers are "escaping South Africa" due to targeted violence and that they are victims of "genocide," a claim he has repeated.
Ramaphosa strongly refuted Trump’s claims, saying that while violent crime is a serious issue in the country, there is no evidence of a genocide against white farmers.
Watch the clip below or at this link.
MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace thinks Trump just 'humiliated' Americans — again
Sarah K. Burris
May 21, 2025
RAW STORY
MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace (Photo: Screen capture via MSNBC video)
MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace began her Wednesday show discussing the Oval Office meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, where Wallace said President Donald Trump "humiliated" the United States "again."
As Wallace explained, Trump attacked Ramaphosa for what he said was a "white genocide" of "white farmers." It's a conspiracy theory spun by David Duke, former grand wizard of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, and tech billionaire Elon Musk.
In a meeting that included Musk, Trump alleged that white farmers were having their land taken away and then brutally murdered. He showed what he said was a video of "a thousand" crosses, he said, representing the death of these farmers. Ramaphosa asked Trump where the video was from, but Trump didn't know.
"We have many people that feel they’re being persecuted, and they’re coming to the United States," Trump said. "They’re white farmers, and they’re fleeing South Africa, and it’s a very sad thing to see. But I hope we can have an explanation of that, because I know you don’t want that."
"Feeling" as if "they're being persecuted" does not meet the U.S. legal definition of genocide, nor the international definition set by the United Nations.
"What you saw in the speeches that were being made—that is not government policy. We have a multiparty democracy in South Africa that allows people to express themselves," Ramaphosa said about comments from extremists. "Our government policy is completely, completely against what he was saying."
Wallace called it "an astonishing display from him in the White House today." She said that the U.S. leader appeared to want "to ambush and humiliate that leader inside the Oval Office. But what he did instead was embarrass and humiliate the people of the United States of America. Again."
Another shocking moment Wallace pointed to was when South Africa's president tried to lighten the mood.
"Trump suggested that all of this tension between them could have been avoided if South Africa had just bought him an airplane," she said, showing the clip.
"I'm sorry, I don't have a plane to give you," Ramaphosa said.
"I wish you did, okay. I would take it if your country offered the United States Air Force a plane. I would take it," Trump said.
"Well, there you have it," Wallace said. "Conspiracy theory peddling leader of the United States of America sitting inside a gilded Oval Office again, tarnishing America's image around the world is where we start today."
See the opener below or at the link here.
MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace (Photo: Screen capture via MSNBC video)
MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace began her Wednesday show discussing the Oval Office meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, where Wallace said President Donald Trump "humiliated" the United States "again."
As Wallace explained, Trump attacked Ramaphosa for what he said was a "white genocide" of "white farmers." It's a conspiracy theory spun by David Duke, former grand wizard of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, and tech billionaire Elon Musk.
In a meeting that included Musk, Trump alleged that white farmers were having their land taken away and then brutally murdered. He showed what he said was a video of "a thousand" crosses, he said, representing the death of these farmers. Ramaphosa asked Trump where the video was from, but Trump didn't know.
"We have many people that feel they’re being persecuted, and they’re coming to the United States," Trump said. "They’re white farmers, and they’re fleeing South Africa, and it’s a very sad thing to see. But I hope we can have an explanation of that, because I know you don’t want that."
"Feeling" as if "they're being persecuted" does not meet the U.S. legal definition of genocide, nor the international definition set by the United Nations.
"What you saw in the speeches that were being made—that is not government policy. We have a multiparty democracy in South Africa that allows people to express themselves," Ramaphosa said about comments from extremists. "Our government policy is completely, completely against what he was saying."
Wallace called it "an astonishing display from him in the White House today." She said that the U.S. leader appeared to want "to ambush and humiliate that leader inside the Oval Office. But what he did instead was embarrass and humiliate the people of the United States of America. Again."
Another shocking moment Wallace pointed to was when South Africa's president tried to lighten the mood.
"Trump suggested that all of this tension between them could have been avoided if South Africa had just bought him an airplane," she said, showing the clip.
"I'm sorry, I don't have a plane to give you," Ramaphosa said.
"I wish you did, okay. I would take it if your country offered the United States Air Force a plane. I would take it," Trump said.
"Well, there you have it," Wallace said. "Conspiracy theory peddling leader of the United States of America sitting inside a gilded Oval Office again, tarnishing America's image around the world is where we start today."
See the opener below or at the link here.
'Stop being rude!' Gobsmacked critics react to Trump treatment of South African president
Krystina Alarcon Carroll
May 21, 2025
May 21, 2025
RAW STORY
U.S. President Donald Trump meets South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Social media users are reacting to several major moments during President Donald Trump’s meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa -- most notably his accusations of 'white genocide' in the country.
“With the South African president sitting next to him, Trump suggests there is a white genocide happening in his country and says, 'I hope you can have an explanation of that,'" journalist Aaron Rupar said on X.
He was reacting to Trump playing a video in the Oval Office showing his South African guest what he said we attacks on white farmers.
The journalist later posted, “REPORTER: What will it take for you to be convinced there is no white genocide in South Africa? RAMAPHOSA: I can take that. It will take President Trump listening to the voices of South Africans TRUMP *scowling*: We have thousands of stories talking about it. Turn the lights down and put this on.”
"’Turn the lights down,’ Trump says in Oval as a video on genocide is cued up with South Africa's Ramaphosa and Elon Musk watching. Trump says images show burial sites of white farmers. ‘I'd like to know where that is,’ Ramaphosa says. ‘This I've never seen.,’” CBS White House reporter Jennifer Jacobs said.
“BREAKING: President Trump directly confronts South Africa's President with printed news articles of white South Africans being attacked and murdered: ‘White South Africans are fleeing because of the violence and racist laws.’" Political analyst Eyal Yakoby said.
The White House also tweeted out the video which was shown during the meeting. “JUST SHOWN IN THE OVAL OFFICE: Proof of Persecution in South Africa,” they said.
While the meeting mainly focused on the alleged ‘white genocide’ of farmers there were other incidents which happened during the meeting.
“Why does no one stand up to him & tell him to stop being rude and telling lies?” Author and journalist Sheron Boyle asked.The Calvin Coolidge Project noted, “Just Now: Elon Musk is back in the Oval Office today during President Trump’s meeting with South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa.”
U.S. President Donald Trump meets South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Social media users are reacting to several major moments during President Donald Trump’s meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa -- most notably his accusations of 'white genocide' in the country.
“With the South African president sitting next to him, Trump suggests there is a white genocide happening in his country and says, 'I hope you can have an explanation of that,'" journalist Aaron Rupar said on X.
He was reacting to Trump playing a video in the Oval Office showing his South African guest what he said we attacks on white farmers.
The journalist later posted, “REPORTER: What will it take for you to be convinced there is no white genocide in South Africa? RAMAPHOSA: I can take that. It will take President Trump listening to the voices of South Africans TRUMP *scowling*: We have thousands of stories talking about it. Turn the lights down and put this on.”
"’Turn the lights down,’ Trump says in Oval as a video on genocide is cued up with South Africa's Ramaphosa and Elon Musk watching. Trump says images show burial sites of white farmers. ‘I'd like to know where that is,’ Ramaphosa says. ‘This I've never seen.,’” CBS White House reporter Jennifer Jacobs said.
“BREAKING: President Trump directly confronts South Africa's President with printed news articles of white South Africans being attacked and murdered: ‘White South Africans are fleeing because of the violence and racist laws.’" Political analyst Eyal Yakoby said.
The White House also tweeted out the video which was shown during the meeting. “JUST SHOWN IN THE OVAL OFFICE: Proof of Persecution in South Africa,” they said.
While the meeting mainly focused on the alleged ‘white genocide’ of farmers there were other incidents which happened during the meeting.
“Why does no one stand up to him & tell him to stop being rude and telling lies?” Author and journalist Sheron Boyle asked.The Calvin Coolidge Project noted, “Just Now: Elon Musk is back in the Oval Office today during President Trump’s meeting with South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa.”
'Way to go!' MAGA world reacts with glee at Trump's Oval Office 'ambush' of guest
Krystina Alarcon Carroll
May 21, 2025
Krystina Alarcon Carroll
May 21, 2025
RAW STORY
U.S. President Donald Trump shows alleged news reports as he meets South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
MAGA world is praising President Donald Trump after his Oval Office showdown with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa Wednesday, saying he held his guest “accountable” for the alleged “white genocide” happening in the country.
“TRUMP HOLDS SOUTH AFRICA PRESIDENT ACCOUNTABLE!” Founder and President of the conservative Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk wrote on Truth Social. “President Trump says to ‘turn down the lights’ and then proceeds to show South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, videos of South African political leaders calling for the death of white South Afrikaners.
"Afterwards, he showed the president video of the crosses that symbolize each white farmer MURDERED in South Africa. God bless President Trump. He’s a president who is actually the LEADER of the Free World.”
The move was called an "ambush" and a "set-up" on CNN.
But senior Editor at Large of Breitbart, Joel Pollak said on X, “This is the most important thing to happen to South Africa since the end of apartheid. Trump Makes South African President Watch Video Evidence of Threats to White Farmers”
“The South African President brought White golfers with him to try to prove there’s no systemic persecution of Whites in South Africa. Golfer Retief Goosen then tells Trump that his dad's farmer friends have been killed and farms are constantly being burned,” Johnny Maga said.
“HOLY CRAP! President Trump just DIRECTLY confronted the President of South Africa with videos of his government calling for WHITE GENOCIDE ‘Turn the lights down and roll the video!’ ‘These are burial sites — crosses marking murdered White farmers’ The President of SA looks so shaken, AS HE SHOULD BE! WAY TO GO, PRESIDENT TRUMP!” Political commentator Nick Sortor said.
The White House also tweeted out the video which was shown during the meeting. “JUST SHOWN IN THE OVAL OFFICE: Proof of Persecution in South Africa,” they said on X.“Trump is an absolute boss. Condemning the murder of White South African farmers right in the face of the president of South Africa. Boss move,” The Civa Frei told their more than 700,000 followers.
U.S. President Donald Trump shows alleged news reports as he meets South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
MAGA world is praising President Donald Trump after his Oval Office showdown with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa Wednesday, saying he held his guest “accountable” for the alleged “white genocide” happening in the country.
“TRUMP HOLDS SOUTH AFRICA PRESIDENT ACCOUNTABLE!” Founder and President of the conservative Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk wrote on Truth Social. “President Trump says to ‘turn down the lights’ and then proceeds to show South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, videos of South African political leaders calling for the death of white South Afrikaners.
"Afterwards, he showed the president video of the crosses that symbolize each white farmer MURDERED in South Africa. God bless President Trump. He’s a president who is actually the LEADER of the Free World.”
The move was called an "ambush" and a "set-up" on CNN.
But senior Editor at Large of Breitbart, Joel Pollak said on X, “This is the most important thing to happen to South Africa since the end of apartheid. Trump Makes South African President Watch Video Evidence of Threats to White Farmers”
“The South African President brought White golfers with him to try to prove there’s no systemic persecution of Whites in South Africa. Golfer Retief Goosen then tells Trump that his dad's farmer friends have been killed and farms are constantly being burned,” Johnny Maga said.
“HOLY CRAP! President Trump just DIRECTLY confronted the President of South Africa with videos of his government calling for WHITE GENOCIDE ‘Turn the lights down and roll the video!’ ‘These are burial sites — crosses marking murdered White farmers’ The President of SA looks so shaken, AS HE SHOULD BE! WAY TO GO, PRESIDENT TRUMP!” Political commentator Nick Sortor said.
The White House also tweeted out the video which was shown during the meeting. “JUST SHOWN IN THE OVAL OFFICE: Proof of Persecution in South Africa,” they said on X.“Trump is an absolute boss. Condemning the murder of White South African farmers right in the face of the president of South Africa. Boss move,” The Civa Frei told their more than 700,000 followers.
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