President Trump has appointed Leo Brent Bozell III as ambassador to South Africa amidst strained diplomatic relations, following the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador for critical remarks. The Trump administration has criticized South Africa’s legal actions against Israel and has accused its government of racial persecution. Bozell’s confirmation by the Senate is still pending.
President Donald Trump has appointed conservative media critic Leo Brent Bozell III as the new ambassador to South Africa, amid escalating tensions between the two nations. This nomination comes on the heels of the U.S. expelling South Africa’s ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, following critical comments about Trump.
Mr. Bozell’s confirmation is pending approval from the U.S. Senate. At 69 years of age, he previously sought to head the U.S. Agency for Global Media, an organization that was later dissolved. Bozell is notably the founder of the Media Research Center, which aims to expose liberal biases in media, and the Parents Television Council.
U.S.-South Africa relations have noticeably soured during Trump’s presidency. The expulsion of Mr. Rasool, described by Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a “race-baiting politician,” marks a significant diplomatic rift. Rubio supported this expulsion by referencing an article that relayed Rasool’s accusations against Trump regarding his portrayal of race issues.
In addition to the ambassador situation, Trump signed an executive order in February that halted U.S. aid to South Africa, citing concerns regarding the alleged discrimination against white Afrikaners. This move referenced the Expropriation Act, which permits the South African government to expropriate private land, a contentious issue given that white South Africans comprise merely 7.2% of the population while owning a substantial majority of farmland.
The African National Congress (ANC), which leads South Africa’s government in a coalition, accused the Trump administration of engaging in a “campaign of misinformation and propaganda” targeting their country.
In conclusion, the appointment of Brent Bozell as ambassador to South Africa highlights the current tensions and complex dynamics between the United States and South Africa, particularly regarding race and land ownership issues. The ongoing diplomatic challenges are underscored by recent expulsions and executive actions from the U.S. government, reflecting a significant deterioration in relations under President Trump’s administration.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
