Rubio Calls for Protection of White South African Farmers, Offers U.S. Admission Amid Violence

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Monday that White South Africans facing threats of violence would be welcomed in the United States, addressing a deeply contentious issue that has sparked international debate.

Rubio's remarks come against the backdrop of strained relations between the South African government and the Trump administration, fueled by South Africa's land expropriation law and its stance against Israel. The land expropriation law, which permits government seizure of land without compensation, has been a lightning rod for criticism, particularly from the U.S. administration.

In a social media post, Rubio highlighted the use of the chant "Kill the Boer," an anti-apartheid slogan that some argue now serves as a rallying cry for violence against White farmers. He called on South African leaders to protect Afrikaner and other minority communities, emphasizing the U.S.'s readiness to offer sanctuary to those eligible.

"South Africa’s leaders and politicians must take action to protect Afrikaner and other disfavored minorities," Rubio wrote. "The United States is proud to offer those individuals who qualify for admission to our nation amid this continued horrible threat of violence."

The Trump administration has taken a hardline stance against South Africa’s Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, which it claims violates private property rights and disproportionately harms ethnic minority farmers. In February, Trump issued an executive order penalizing South Africa, pointing to what he described as "shocking disregard" for citizens' rights.

Adding fuel to the fire, South Africa has accused Israel of genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in the International Court of Justice, while simultaneously strengthening ties with Iran through commercial, military, and nuclear partnerships. These moves have further alienated South Africa from its Western allies.

Rubio also made headlines earlier this month by declaring South Africa's ambassador to the U.S., Embrahim Rasool, "persona non grata." Rubio accused Rasool of being a "race-baiting" politician and criticized his remarks equating Trump's Make America Great Again movement to White supremacist ideology during a speech in Johannesburg. The diplomatic fallout has cast a shadow over U.S.-South Africa relations.

Amid an increasingly tense geopolitical climate, Rubio's vocal stance on protecting White South African farmers underscores the administration's broader concerns about human rights and property protections in South Africa.