Trump Orders South African Ambassador’s US Departure by Friday

In a recent development, the State Department has announced that South Africa’s ambassador to the United States has been given until Friday to vacate the country after being declared “persona non grata.” The notification came after Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly announced the decision last Friday, deeming Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool unwelcome in the U.S.
The South African embassy staff was subsequently summoned to the State Department, where they received an official diplomatic communiqué detailing the reasons behind the decision. Tammy Bruce, the department spokesperson, confirmed that Rasool’s diplomatic immunity and privileges expired as of last Monday, requiring his departure by the upcoming Friday.
According to Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for South Africa’s Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Rasool remains in the United States but is set to leave promptly. The situation unfolded after Rubio shared his decision online while returning from a Group of 7 meeting in Canada, accusing Rasool of being a “race-baiting politician” opposed to President Donald Trump.
Rubio’s social media post referenced an article by a conservative news outlet, which covered a talk Rasool delivered in Johannesburg about the U.S. political climate. During his presentation, Rasool commented on the implications of demographic shifts in America under the Trump administration, noting that white people will soon be a minority.
The expulsion of a foreign ambassador by the U.S is an uncommon measure, more frequently applied to lower-ranking diplomats. This action marks the latest friction in U.S.-South Africa relations, following an executive order by Trump last month that halted funding and criticized South Africa’s domestic and international policies.
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, responding on Monday, indicated that Rasool will provide further details upon his return. Ramaphosa acknowledged the U.S.’s concerns regarding Rasool’s statements, yet emphasized ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the U.S., asserting, “This is a hiccup, a hiccup we are working on straightening out.”
He further conveyed a commitment to engage diplomatically with the United States, expressing respect for America and its leadership, thereby aiming to stabilize bilateral relations.
Tammy Bruce highlighted the expectation of respect in diplomatic exchanges, remarking on the historical consistency of diplomacy between the two nations while criticizing Rasool’s statements as unacceptable to both Americans and the administration.
The South African Foreign Ministry expressed discontent over Rubio’s approach, particularly his use of social media to announce Rasool’s expulsion before official diplomatic communication. Phiri voiced concerns about the preference for public platforms over traditional diplomatic channels, describing it as a challenge presented by the current U.S. administration’s communication style.
The meeting between State Department officials and the South African embassy occurred on Friday, closely following Rubio’s online announcement.