Trump Administration Orders South African Ambassador to Depart the U.S.

The U.S. State Department has ordered South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool to leave the country by Friday after declaring him “persona non grata.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Rasool as a “race-baiting politician” through social media, following an event in which Rasool discussed U.S. politics. This move symbolizes heightened tensions and is part of the Trump administration’s stringent scrutiny of South Africa’s government policies.

The United States State Department has instructed the South African ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, to leave the country by Friday following his designation as “persona non grata.” This decision was made public by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who criticized Rasool on social media, labeling him a “race-baiting politician” who hates then-President Donald Trump. Thus, embassy staff were formally notified, and Rasool’s diplomatic privileges ceased on Monday, leading to the ultimatum.

In his statement, Secretary Rubio referred to a webinar in which Rasool discussed the implications of U.S. political actions regarding the demographic shift in the country. Although Rasool’s exact location during this webinar remains uncertain, the U.S. rarely expels ambassadors, a measure typically reserved for lower-ranking diplomats.

This expulsion aligns with a broader trend of the Trump administration’s scrutiny of South Africa, including an executive order that halted U.S. funding to the country, citing its alleged anti-white policies. The South African government expressed regret over the decision to expel Rasool while emphasizing its commitment to maintaining a constructive bilateral relationship with the United States.

In summation, the expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool by the Trump administration represents a significant diplomatic action rarely taken against high-ranking officials. It reflects ongoing political tensions between the U.S. and South Africa, particularly under the Trump administration’s foreign policy stance. Both nations aim to sustain diplomatic relations despite this recent controversy.

Original Source: www.newsday.com