Donald Trump’s Hypocrisy Knows No Bounds: Meddling in South Africa’s Land Justice While Ignoring Colonial Crimes

 

In yet another display of ignorance and arrogance, U.S. President Donald Trump has lashed out at South Africa’s newly signed Expropriation Bill, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at addressing the country’s deeply entrenched land inequalities. Instead of recognizing the historical injustices suffered by Black South Africans, Trump—who seemingly sees himself as the self-appointed world referee—has threatened to cut U.S. funding to the country, accusing its government of violating human rights.

A History Trump Chooses to Ignore

For centuries, South Africa’s land has been unfairly concentrated in the hands of a white minority—a direct consequence of colonial land dispossession and apartheid-era policies. Millions of Black South Africans remain landless despite their ancestors having lived and worked on the same soil long before European settlers arrived. The Expropriation Bill, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa, seeks to correct these historical wrongs by allowing for land expropriation in the public interest—without compensation in some cases.

But instead of acknowledging this glaring injustice, Trump has twisted the narrative, portraying white landowners as victims while ignoring the suffering of millions of dispossessed Black families. His knee-jerk reaction reeks of imperialist entitlement—as if he has the authority to dictate South Africa’s domestic policies.

Selective Outrage and Double Standards

Trump’s hypocrisy is astounding. Under his presidency, the U.S. saw a surge in racial tensions, a crackdown on immigrants, and a deepening wealth gap. He was quick to support corporate bailouts and tax cuts for the wealthy while opposing reparations for African Americans whose ancestors endured centuries of slavery. Now, he suddenly claims to be concerned about “human rights” in South Africa?

Where was Trump’s outrage when:

• Millions of Black South Africans were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands during apartheid?
• Colonial powers plundered Africa’s resources, enriching themselves at the expense of local populations?
• Palestinians faced ongoing land dispossession under Israeli occupation?

The answer is simple: his selective outrage only surfaces when white interests are at stake. 

The Economic Blackmail Playbook

By threatening to cut U.S. aid, particularly HIV/AIDS funding under PEPFAR, Trump is resorting to the classic imperialist playbook—economic blackmail. The move not only disregards the sovereignty of a democratic nation but also punishes vulnerable South Africans, many of whom rely on these programs. This approach underscores the West’s historical pattern of weaponizing aid to maintain control over post-colonial states.

South Africa is not seizing land indiscriminately, nor is it violating property rights recklessly. The law is designed to balance restitution with economic stability, ensuring land reform is handled in a just and sustainable manner. Yet, Trump and his right-wing allies continue to push false narratives, fueling paranoia and misinformation.

South Africa Must Stand Firm

Trump’s empty threats should not deter South Africa from pursuing long-overdue land reform. The country’s leadership must stand resolute in the face of external pressure and continue implementing policies that prioritize the historically dispossessed majority over the privileged few.

The Expropriation Bill is not about revenge—it is about justice. And no amount of fearmongering from self-serving, ignorant politicians should derail the course of history. South Africa must press forward, undeterred by the hypocrisy of global bullies like Trump.