The United States government has expelled South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, declaring him persona non grata following controversial comments he made criticizing the MAGA movement and President Donald Trump. This diplomatic crisis represents a significant turning point in U.S.-South Africa relations, with uncertain implications for future cooperation. Why did Secretary of State Marco Rubio label Ambassador Rasool a “race-baiting politician”?
Diplomatic Crisis Erupts After Ambassador’s Comments
South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool has been expelled from the United States and declared persona non grata by the Trump administration following controversial remarks made during a webinar. The ambassador criticized the Make America Great Again movement as a response to a “supremacist instinct,” specifically referencing projected demographic shifts in the American voting population.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on social media platform X, calling Rasool a “race-baiting politician who hates America and hates Trump.” Rubio’s post included a link to a Breitbart article that detailed Rasool’s comments about American politics and demographic changes.
BREAKING: Trump Administration Expels South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, Declares Him ‘Persona Non Grata’
The Trump administration has kicked out South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool from the U.S. after a Breitbart News report exposed his speech accusing President… pic.twitter.com/eoND080tai
— Tony Lane 🇺🇸 (@TonyLaneNV) March 15, 2025
Ambassador Defends Remarks Upon Return Home
Rasool received a hero’s welcome at Cape Town International Airport, where hundreds of supporters greeted him with Palestinian flags and chants of “Free Palestine.” The expelled diplomat defiantly stated he would “wear my persona non grata as a badge of dignity” in response to the crowd’s warm reception.
Despite his expulsion, Rasool stood firmly by his comments, emphasizing they were an analysis of political phenomena rather than personal attacks. “It is not the U.S. of Obama, it is not the U.S. of Clinton, it is a different U.S. and therefore our language must change,” Rasool told supporters, distinguishing between his critique of political movements and any criticism of the American people.
BREAKING:
🇺🇲🇿🇦 The United States expels the South African ambassador
Secretary of State Marco Rubio says South African Ambassador to the U.S. Embrahim Rasool, is officially PERSONA NON GRATA.
He was apparently "not respecting America" pic.twitter.com/zitI9HKUvp
— Megatron (@Megatron_ron) March 14, 2025
Escalating Tensions Between Nations
The diplomatic crisis occurs against a backdrop of already strained relations between the United States and South Africa. Financial aid cuts had previously been implemented by the U.S. in response to South Africa’s controversial land expropriation policies, which allow for land seizure without compensation.
Rasool emphasized South Africa’s continued commitment to its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, despite American pressure. The South African government described the expulsion as “regrettable,” with President Ramaphosa’s office expressing a desire to maintain a “mutually beneficial relationship” despite the diplomatic setback.
Secretary Rubio’s decision to skip the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg further highlights the deteriorating relationship between the two nations. The persona non grata declaration represents one of the most severe diplomatic actions available, signaling a significant hardening of Washington’s stance toward Pretoria.
The incident raises critical questions about the future trajectory of U.S.-South Africa relations and potential steps toward reconciliation. Diplomatic channels remain open but considerably strained as both nations navigate this unprecedented crisis in their bilateral relationship.