President Donald Trump reportedly defended his administration’s decision to grant refugee status to white Afrikaners fleeing persecution in South Africa during a recent press briefing.
He welcomed 49 Afrikaners who arrived on a U.S.-chartered flight, emphasizing that they are facing severe violence. “They’re being killed, and we don’t want to see people be killed,” Trump stated, describing the situation as a “genocide” against white farmers.
Trump expressed frustration that mainstream media largely ignores these events, highlighting that both white and black individuals deserve protection from violence.
“I just know that what’s happening is terrible,” he said, noting reports from people living in South Africa about the dire conditions they face.
The president also hinted at potentially skipping the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg unless the South African government takes action to halt the persecution.
His comments have sparked debate over the racial implications of the refugee policy, as the targeted Afrikaners are white.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio supported Trump’s stance, claiming that the South African government has subjected these individuals to racial discrimination and threats to their property.
In contrast, South African officials, including International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, have denied the existence of persecution against white farmers, asserting there is no evidence to support such claims.
The Trump administration previously suspended aid to South Africa, accusing its government of exacerbating violence against white landowners.
Elon Musk, a Trump ally and South African native, has also criticized the country’s ownership laws as openly racist.
Trump’s comments underline his administration’s commitment to supporting those they believe are unjustly treated, despite the controversy surrounding the refugee policy.
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