Trump Orders Suspension of Future Aid to South Africa Over Land Reform Law

Trump Orders Suspension of Future Aid to South Africa Over Land Reform Law

Washington, February 3: U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the United States would suspend future aid to South Africa due to the country’s treatment of "certain groups of people" amid its land acquisition law. Trump claimed the situation in South Africa was being handled poorly, and stated that no aid would be provided to the country until a full investigation into the matter was conducted.

Trump posted on Truth Social, saying, "South Africa is taking land, and certain groups of people are being treated very badly. The United States will not stand by on this issue, we will take action. Additionally, I am announcing that all future aid to South Africa will be suspended until a full investigation is completed."

In 2023, the U.S. government provided South Africa with approximately $440 million in aid, according to the latest official U.S. government statistics.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a bill into law last month that aims to simplify the process for state land acquisitions for public purposes. The law is intended to address the remaining racial disparities in land ownership following the end of apartheid in 1994.

Following Trump’s post, South Africa’s Foreign Ministry responded, stating, "We believe that President Trump’s advisors will use the investigation period to deeply understand South Africa’s policies within the framework of a constitutional democracy." They added, "It should be clear that our land acquisition law is not unusual, as many countries have such laws."

South Africa is currently holding the presidency of the G20, a position that will pass to the United States next.