Trump Ambushes South African President Ramaphosa Over White Genocide Claims

During a tense Oval Office meeting, President Donald Trump publicly confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with discredited claims of 'white genocide' in South Africa, including a dimmed lights video montage and news clippings aiming to support these accusations. Despite the provocative and choreographed nature of the encounter, which echoed Trump's earlier treatment of Ukraine's President Zelenskyy, Ramaphosa remained calm and diplomatic throughout, later noting that a more positive and constructive discussion followed behind closed doors. The footage Trump showed included controversial anti-apartheid songs and political figures not part of South Africa's government, leading to criticism of the accuracy and appropriateness of the claims. South African media and social media praised Ramaphosa's composure, though some expressed a wish for a stronger rebuttal. Elon Musk, a South African-born billionaire and advisor, was present quietly observing the meeting. The incident fueled shock and anger in South Africa, with many viewing the ambush as a serious provocation by Trump that risked diplomatic tensions.