Trump Freezes Aid to South Africa over 'Expropriation Act'

How Big Are the Risks?

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on February 2 that all U.S. aid to South Africa will be suspended pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of land confiscation and human rights violations. The decision follows the enactment of the ‘Expropriation Act,’ which allows land expropriation without compensation in certain cases. In response, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has clarified and defended the legislation, which has sparked both domestic support and controversy. What is prompting Trump’s sudden interest in South Africa, a key BRICS member and current G20 president? To what extent will his decision escalate political risk, and could it irreparably destabilize U.S.-South Africa relations?

Trump’s Claims and Justification

In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused South Africa of "confiscating land and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY," branding it a "massive human rights violation." He made it clear that the U.S. would not continue funding a government engaging in such practices and insisted on a thorough investigation before any aid resumes.