Donald Trump descended into another unhinged tirade in the Oval Office, reminiscent of his infamous exchange with President Zelensky. This time, his target was South African President Cyril Ramaphosa — and the topic was the debunked far-right conspiracy theory of a so-called “white genocide” in South Africa.
With reporters present, Trump ranted about supposed violence against white farmers, waving around printouts and demanding the lights be turned down so he could show a video.
It began when a reporter asked, “Mr. President, what would it take for you to be convinced that there’s no ‘white genocide’ in South Africa?”
This question came in the wake of Republicans embracing the myth to justify granting refugee status to 49 Afrikaners who claimed they were fleeing racial violence and land seizures — despite the claims having been widely debunked. Right-wing media and politicians have continually used such narratives to cast white people as victims and distract from their own racially discriminatory policies at home.
Before Trump could answer, President Ramaphosa interjected, “Well, I can answer that for the president.”
“I’d rather have him answer,” Trump snapped.
Ramaphosa continued calmly: “It will take President Trump listening to the voices of South Africans, some of whom are his friends, like those who are here. When we have quiet talks between us, it will take him listening to their perspectives.”
“If there was truly a genocide of Afrikaner farmers,” Ramaphosa added, “I can guarantee these three gentlemen — including my Minister of Agriculture — wouldn’t be here with me today. So it will take President Trump truly listening to their stories.”
At that point, Trump launched into his bizarre “presentation.”
“No, no, wait,” Trump insisted, waving off a reporter. “We have thousands of stories. We have documentaries, news stories. Is Natalie here? Somebody turn that— I need to show you something. Just… just watch this.”
He ordered the lights dimmed and instructed his staff to play a video featuring Julius Malema, the fringe leader of the radical Economic Freedom Fighters party, calling for violence against white farmers. The inflammatory clip — often circulated in far-right circles — was presented as "proof" of white genocide, despite the fact that Malema holds no meaningful government power and his views are condemned even within South Africa.
“We have a multi-party democracy,” Ramaphosa calmly explained. “Our Constitution protects freedom of expression. Some fringe parties, like his, hold views that are not shared by the government. Our official policy is completely opposed to what he says.”
Still, Trump continued, talking over the footage: “These are burial sites. Over a thousand white farmers. Look at the cars, all stopped to pay respects. Those white crosses — each one of them represents a murdered white farmer. It’s horrific.”
Ramaphosa, clearly stunned, responded, “Have they told you where that is, Mr. President? I’ve never seen this — I’d like to know where that is.”
Trump, without missing a beat, simply replied, “I mean… it’s in South Africa.”
Asked what he wanted Ramaphosa to do, Trump flailed: “I don’t know. I don’t know! Look at these articles. Death… death… death. Horrible death. I don’t know what to do. Here — pick one. ‘White South African couple attacked violently.’ This is real.”
A reporter asked if he’d visit South Africa to see the situation himself. Trump responded, “I could do that. But look, here are the burial sites — all white farmers.”
Then, bizarrely, he lashed out at a journalist who had earlier asked about a $200 million Qatari jet potentially tied to corruption allegations.
“You ought to be ashamed of yourself. You’re such a bad reporter,” Trump snapped.
Trying to shift focus, Trump went on a tangent about the lack of a proper Air Force One.
“We need an Air Force One. It’s being built. Boeing is late. So why wouldn’t Qatar give us a plane? And that idiot reporter is asking about that instead of this genocide.”
That’s when Ramaphosa, keeping his composure, delivered a withering, understated joke:
“I’m sorry I don’t have a plane to give you.”
“I wish you did. I’d take it,” Trump replied earnestly. “If your country gave one to the U.S. Air Force, I’d take it.”
“Okay,” Ramaphosa said flatly, clearly done with the spectacle.
At this point, there’s little need for further commentary. Trump's own words — erratic, conspiratorial, and borderline delusional — speak louder than any critique. He publicly embraced a baseless white supremacist narrative, embarrassed an allied head of state, and casually admitted he’d accept gifts that border on bribery.
America deserves leadership that listens, tells the truth, and acts with dignity. The countdown to January 2025 can't move fast enough.
Wouldn’t that last line be January 2029?
ReplyDelete