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In a notable diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump has appointed Leo Brent Bozell III, a prominent conservative media commentator and pro-Israel advocate, as the new ambassador to South Africa. This selection comes at a time when relations between the United States and South Africa are increasingly strained.
Bozell’s nomination follows the recent decision by Washington to expel Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s ambassador, after he made remarks perceived as critical of President Trump. This incident highlights the growing tensions that have characterized US-South Africa relations during Trump’s presidency.
The Trump administration has openly criticized South Africa’s pursuit of legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Additionally, the administration has inaccurately accused the South African government of targeting white South Africans in a bid to confiscate their land.
Before Bozell can assume his new role, the US Senate must approve his nomination. At 69, Bozell previously sought to lead the now-defunct US Agency for Global Media, which oversaw various broadcasting services, including Voice of America, but withdrew from the nomination process.
Throughout his career, Bozell has championed conservative causes, founding organizations such as the Media Research Center, dedicated to identifying what it sees as liberal bias, and the Parents Television Council, among others. His background in media criticism aligns with his view of shaping public discourse through a conservative lens.
Notably, Bozell’s family background has also brought attention. His son was part of the group that stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, and was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for his involvement.
Under Trump’s administration, the diplomatic relationship with South Africa has seen a marked decline. In March, Rasool’s expulsion was characterized by Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a response to what he termed a “race-baiting politician.” Rubio’s announcement included links to a Breitbart article that discussed Rasool’s comments on Trump’s alleged attempts to invoke white victimhood.
While diplomatic expulsions occasionally involve lower-ranking diplomats, the ousting of a senior official like Rasool is rare in US foreign policy. In another significant action earlier in the year, Trump signed an executive order freezing US aid to South Africa, citing concerns about “unjust racial discrimination” against the white Afrikaner community. This followed the introduction of the Expropriation Act, allowing the government to expropriate private land without compensation.
According to a 2018 land audit, while white South Africans, including Afrikaners, represent 7.2% of the population, they own approximately 72% of individually held farmland, indicating a significant disparity in land ownership within the nation.
In response to these actions, the African National Congress (ANC), which leads South Africa’s current government coalition, has articulated that Trump’s reasoning reflects “a campaign of misinformation and propaganda aimed at misrepresenting our great nation.” This statement underscores the tensions and rhetoric that continue to complicate US-South Africa relations.
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