U.S. President Trump’s Order Prioritizes Refugee Assistance to White South Africans
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing U.S. government agencies to prioritize refugee assistance to white South Africans, including resettlement programs. This move comes in response to South Africa’s recent land expropriation law aimed at addressing racial disparities in land ownership.
The executive order, published on Friday, criticizes the South African government for its “shocking disregard of its citizens’ rights.” Trump claims that the new legislation enables the government to seize agricultural property from ethnic minority Afrikaners without compensation. Afrikaners, descendants of European colonists who arrived in the 17th century, still owned most of South Africa’s land when voting rights were extended to all adults in 1994. The government has set a target to transfer 30% of farmland to black farmers by 2030.
According to Trump’s order, South African policies supposedly aim to deprive the white minority of equal employment, education, and business opportunities while fueling violence against “racially disfavored landowners.”
The presidential decree instructs a halt to U.S. aid or assistance to South Africa until its “unjust and immoral practices” cease. It demands that relevant departments and officials prioritize humanitarian relief, including admission and resettlement through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, for Afrikaners in South Africa.
The document also criticizes Pretoria for supposedly undermining U.S. foreign policy by taking aggressive positions, such as accusing Israel of genocide in the International Court of Justice and developing ties with Iran, including commercial, military, and nuclear arrangements. These actions are deemed a national security threat to Washington, its interests, and allies.
The measures outlined in the executive order remain in effect until further notice.