US Expels South Africa's Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, Cites 'Unacceptable' Remarks

The U.S. has declared South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool persona non grata after he made remarks equating the U.S. President and the nation with white supremacy, which were deemed 'unacceptable' and 'obscene' by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's decision to expel Rasool highlights broader concerns over South Africa's ties with Russia and Iran and its stance on Israel at the International Court of Justice. Bruce emphasized that Rasool's comments failed to meet diplomatic standards necessary for facilitating international relations, casting the U.S. in a negative light. The ambassador's diplomatic privileges expired, and he has until Friday to leave the country. The expulsion is a rare move by the U.S., signaling heightened tensions between the two nations amid criticism of South African policies and the Trump administration. Despite the rift, South Africa has expressed a desire to improve relations with the U.S.