US says South African ambassador ‘no longer welcome’ over his criticism of Trump
The United States has declared South Africa’s ambassador to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool, persona non grata, following his remarks critical of US President Donald Trump.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Rasool was “no longer welcome in our great country,” calling him a “race-baiting politician who hates America and hates POTUS.”
Rubio added, “We have nothing to discuss with him, and so he is considered persona non grata."
The announcement followed Rasool’s participation in a South African think tank where he stated that Trump’s Make America Great Again movement, as well as the influence of Elon Musk and Vice President J.D. Vance, were part of a global trend catering to white anxieties.
He also stated that Trump used a “supremacist instinct” and “white victimhood” as a “dog whistle” during the 2024 elections.
Since Trump’s return to office, the South African ambassador has reportedly been denied routine diplomatic meetings with US officials.
Rubio's remarks mark a further deterioration in US-South Africa relations, already strained over Pretoria’s stance on Palestinian rights.
South Africa has been at the forefront of an International Court of Justice (ICJ) case criticizing the Israeli regime of genocide in Gaza.
Last month, the White House announced it would cut off US aid to South Africa in response to South Africa's ICJ case.
South Africa initiated the ICJ case against the Israeli regime on December 29, 2023, criticizing Tel Aviv regime of violating the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide during its genocide campaign in Gaza.
In a ruling on January 26, 2024, the ICJ ordered Israel to take all necessary measures to prevent acts of genocide and to allow humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
On October 28, 2024, South Africa submitted a comprehensive legal brief detailing evidence supporting its claims.
The ICJ has given Israel until July 28, 2025, to submit its counter-memorial.
Ebrahim Rasool previously served as South Africa’s ambassador to the US from 2010 to 2015, during former US President Barack Obama’s administration.
He resumed the post in January 2025 under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government.
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