U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on Friday via a social media post, stating that Rasool was "no longer welcome in our great country." He accused the ambassador of being a "race-baiting politician who hates America and hates POTUS."
Rubio's comments were linked to a report by right-wing media outlet Breitbart, which highlighted Rasool's remarks in an online lecture where he criticized Trump's 2024 election campaign. In his speech, Rasool alleged that Trump had mobilized a "supremacist instinct" and "white victimhood" to gain political traction.
In response, the South African presidency issued a statement on Saturday, calling the decision "regrettable." The statement urged all parties to maintain "diplomatic decorum" and emphasized South Africa's commitment to fostering a "mutually beneficial relationship" with the U.S.
Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation, confirmed that the government would engage with U.S. officials through diplomatic channels. Rasool's expulsion comes amid ongoing tensions between the two nations.
The Trump administration has been openly critical of South Africa's political stance on various global issues, particularly its support for Palestinian rights and its role in initiating a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the U.S. ally of genocide in Gaza.
Additionally, Trump has accused South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) of discriminating against the country's white population.
In February, his administration froze foreign aid to South Africa and controversially offered expedited U.S. citizenship to white Afrikaners, claiming they faced "government-sponsored race-based discrimination."
The South African government dismissed these claims as misleading and stated that its land reform policies aimed to address historical inequalities without violating property rights.
Reports indicate that since Trump's return to office, Rasool has been unable to secure routine meetings with U.S. State Department officials and high-ranking Republican leaders.
The veteran diplomat, who previously served as South Africa's ambassador to Washington from 2010 to 2015, returned to the role in January.
South African officials have condemned what they describe as "megaphone diplomacy," with presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stating, "We are not going to partake in a counterproductive public exchange of words."
IGIHE
