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Donald Trump stuns Cyril Ramaphosa, plays South African 'white genocide' videos during heated Oval Office meeting

Trump stunned his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa with a video intended to support fabricated allegations of a white “genocide”.

Updated on: May 22, 2025, 01:24:00 IST
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US President Donald Trump stunned his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa with a video intended to support fabricated allegations of a white “genocide” during their White House meeting.

President Donald Trump meets South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (AP)
President Donald Trump meets South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (AP)

On a screen in the Oval Office, Trump instructed staff members to play a clip of Ramaphosa. He ordered the lights in the office to be dimmed so that a video containing alleged proof of crimes against humanity could be shown. He accused Ramaphosa of committing genocide against white farmers in South Africa.

In the video, left-wing populist leader Julius Malema called for the killing of the nation's 4.5 million white people, or roughly 7.3% of the total population, and a roadside memorial purportedly for dozens of white farmers who had been killed.

Trump also criticized Ramaphosa over a new rule that permits the South African government to seize supposedly underutilized land.

“What you saw the speeches that were being made, one that is not government policy,” Ramaphosa stated. “Our government policy is completely, completely against what he was saying.”

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Did Cyril Ramaphosa react?

After calmly watching the videos, Ramaphosa remarked, “I'd like to know where that is because this I've never seen.”

Trump stated that he sought an explanation from Ramaphosa over the baseless accusations of “genocide” made against white Afrikaners.

“Generally, they're white farmers, and they're fleeing South Africa, and it's a very sad thing to seem” Trump stated at the White House, Trump stated. “I hope we can have an explanation of that because I know you don't want that.”

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As he faced questioning from Trump on the matter, Ramaphosa refuted the claim that his country seizes land from white farmers.

During the Oval Office meeting, Trump suggested to his counterpart that "you do allow them to take land."

Ramaphosa replied, “No, no, no, no. Nobody can take land.”

When Trump welcomed Ramaphosa at White House, he characterized him as a controversial figure who is also well-respected.

“It's a great honour to be with the president of South Africa, President Ramaphosa, and he is a man who is certainly, in some circles, really respected, other circles a little bit less respected,” the US President said.

Ramaphosa expressed gratitude to Trump “for allowing your people to start discussions with us at the trade level," urging a “reset” of his nation's ties with the US.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shweta Kukreti

Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.
Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.
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