Ramaphosa and Trump hold tense but productive White House talks

By Ilknur Seydamirova
May 22, 2025 01:10 Updated 23d ago
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Reuters

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a closely watched visit to the White House, marked by both diplomatic friction and efforts to protect a vital economic partnership.

The meeting with US President Donald Trump began on a contentious note as Trump raised concerns about white South African farmers — a topic that sparked international reaction and tested the tone of the talks.

Still, both leaders say the private discussions were far more constructive than the public exchange suggested.

Here are the key moments from a meeting that blended controversy, diplomacy, and even a few unexpected laughs.

Trump confronts Ramaphosa with videos on white farmer violence

The meeting turned tense early on when Trump showed pre-selected video clips alleging violence against white farmers, including footage of people chanting “Kill the Boer,” a controversial liberation-era slogan. One clip showed EFF leader Julius Malema, known for his fiery rhetoric, singing the song at a rally.

Ramaphosa remained composed. He clarified that Malema is an opposition politician and not part of his government, and reminded Trump that the chant is considered protected political speech under South Africa’s constitutional court.

Presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya, speaking outside the White House, emphasized that there is no evidence linking the chant to actual killings, and reiterated that South African crime affects all communities, not just white farmers.

White House tension contrasts with calmer talks behind closed doors

Despite the dramatic start, Ramaphosa later told reporters that the meeting “didn’t dwell” on the controversial claims, and that the bulk of the discussion focused on trade, job creation, and diplomatic cooperation.

“Once we got past the videos, the tone shifted,” said one official close to the talks. “There was genuine interest in keeping channels open.”

 Trade fight looms: Tariffs could hit agriculture and auto sectors

A key issue for Ramaphosa’s delegation was Trump’s threat to impose 30% tariffs on South African imports. Business leaders fear the move could devastate major industries, including citrus, metals, and auto exports.

South Africa’s citrus industry alone earned $100 million from US sales in 2024, and farmers — both black and white — have warned that the tariffs could threaten as many as 400,000 jobs.

Ramaphosa said there is now a “firm agreement” to keep talking, especially at the level of trade ministers, to avoid further economic strain.

Refugee policy sparks questions over fairness

The talks came just days after the US approved refugee status for 59 white South Africans, fast-tracking their entry based on claims of persecution. The move has stirred debate, especially among refugee groups from Congo, Afghanistan, and elsewhere who have waited years for US entry.

Trump defended the decision, saying those affected were “fleeing violence.” But critics, including immigration advocates, questioned whether the process was politically or racially motivated.

High-profile voices join the debate

South African billionaire Johann Rupert added his voice to the conversation, saying violence affects all races and asking Trump to focus on helping improve rural security. Rupert also encouraged Elon Musk to expand Starlink internet to police stations across South Africa.

Trump brought Musk into the conversation himself, telling Ramaphosa, “This is what Elon wanted,” before joking that Musk prefers Mars over political debates.

Golfers, gifts, and a Boeing-sized joke

There were also lighter moments. Trump welcomed South African golf legends Ernie Els and Retief Goosen into the room. When Els commented that “two wrongs don’t make a right,” referring to both crime and racial rhetoric, Trump quipped: “You speak better than you play.”

Ramaphosa presented Trump with a 14-kilogram book on South African golf courses, which drew a smile from the US president.

But the biggest laugh came when a reporter asked Trump about reports that Qatar had gifted the US a Boeing 747 to serve as the new Air Force One. Trump, visibly irritated, called the journalist “a jerk.” Ramaphosa broke the tension with a smile:

“I’m sorry we don’t have a plane to give you.”
To which Trump replied,
“I wish you did. I’d take it.”

Mandela’s values vs Trump’s style

Observers noted that Ramaphosa handled the public confrontation with calm diplomacy, drawing comparisons to Nelson Mandela’s legacy of engagement over confrontation. Some analysts likened the moment to Trump’s 2019 Oval Office meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, calling it another example of the US president using surprise tactics in foreign diplomacy.

Looking ahead: G20 and global issues

South Africa is set to host the G20 Summit later this year, though Trump has not confirmed if he will attend. The two leaders briefly discussed global conflict zones, including the war in Ukraine and unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ramaphosa emphasized that “the US has too important a role in the global economy to be absent,” adding that despite the sharp public tone, the visit reinforced the need for dialogue over disengagement.

A visit of friction and focus

The Ramaphosa–Trump meeting may be remembered for its uncomfortable beginning, but both sides stressed that diplomacy must continue.

As Ramaphosa put it:

“Even when we don’t agree, we must keep talking — especially when jobs, trade, and security are at stake.”

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News Politics Trump Cyril Ramaphosa South Africa
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