By Esther Claudette Gittens | Photo Copyright IQ INC.
In August 2018, then-President Donald Trump ignited a global controversy with a tweet claiming that the South African government was “seizing land from white farmers” and that there was “large scale killing of farmers.” He subsequently stated that he had asked Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to “closely study the land seizures and expropriations and large scale killing of farmers.” This statement, widely interpreted as an endorsement of the “white genocide” conspiracy theory, provoked strong reactions both internationally and within South Africa. This article will analyze the factual basis of Trump’s claim, examine the evidence (or lack thereof) for “white genocide,” and explore the potential motivations behind his controversial remarks.
The Genesis of the Claim and the South African Context
President Trump’s tweet followed a segment on Fox News that highlighted the issue of land reform and farm attacks in South Africa. The segment featured arguments suggesting that white farmers were being targeted due to their race and that the government’s land reform policies amounted to expropriation without compensation, threatening their livelihoods and safety.
To understand the context, it’s crucial to acknowledge South Africa’s deeply entrenched history of racial inequality, particularly concerning land ownership. The legacy of apartheid, which officially ended in 1994, left a stark disparity: white South Africans, a minority of the population, still own a disproportionately large share of the country’s agricultural land. For instance, a 2017 land audit report commissioned by the South African government indicated that white people owned approximately 72% of farm and agricultural holdings despite comprising about 7% of the population. This historical imbalance is a significant driver behind the ruling African National Congress’s (ANC) policy of land reform, which aims to address historical injustices and redistribute land to the Black majority.
A key aspect of this reform is the debate around “expropriation without compensation” (EWC). While the South African government has indeed pursued constitutional amendments to allow for EWC in certain circumstances (e.g., unused land or land held purely for speculative purposes), it has repeatedly emphasized that this is not intended to undermine the economy or agricultural production, nor is it a blanket policy. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly denied that land is being confiscated indiscriminately or that people are being targeted based on race.
Alongside land reform, the issue of “farm attacks” or “farm murders” is a serious concern in South Africa. These are violent crimes, including assault, murder, rape, and robbery, that occur on farms. While these attacks are undeniably brutal and affect farmers of all races, they have been disproportionately highlighted by some groups, particularly those advocating for white minority rights, as evidence of a racially motivated campaign.
An Analysis of President Trump’s “White Genocide” Claims in South Africa
In May 2025, President Donald Trump reignited controversy by asserting that white South African farmers are victims of a “genocide,” a claim that has been widely discredited by experts, courts, and international observers. This article examines the veracity of these claims, explores the motivations behind them, and assesses whether they reflect a strategic political maneuver or underlying racial biases.
The Claim: Alleged “White Genocide” in South Africa
President Trump’s assertion centers on the belief that white farmers in South Africa are being systematically targeted and killed, amounting to genocide. He has used this claim to justify granting refugee status to 59 white South Africans, primarily Afrikaners, under a program initiated in February 2025. This move marked a departure from Trump’s broader halt on refugee admissions, prioritizing the Afrikaners—descendants of Dutch settlers and historically linked to South Africa’s apartheid regime—over other refugee groups from regions facing famine or war.
Scrutinizing the Evidence
Multiple sources have debunked the notion of a “white genocide” in South Africa
- Crime Statistics: South Africa’s crime data does not support the claim that white farmers are disproportionately targeted. In fact, a South African court dismissed such claims as “clearly imagined and not real” in a ruling that blocked a bequest to a white supremacist group.
- Expert Opinions: Historians and analysts have consistently refuted the idea of racially motivated killings targeting white farmers. Paul S. Landau, a University of Maryland historian and South African expert, stated that allegations of whites in South Africa being under attack are based on racism and debunked conspiracy theories.
- International Observers: Organizations like Genocide Watch have not listed South Africa among countries with ongoing or emerging genocides, further undermining the credibility of Trump’s claims.
Political Motivations Behind the Claims
Several factors suggest that President Trump’s assertions may be politically motivated:
- Appealing to a Specific Voter Base: By highlighting the plight of white South Africans, Trump may be aiming to resonate with certain segments of his political base that are sensitive to narratives of white victimhood.
- Influence of Advisers: Elon Musk, a South African-born businessman and Trump adviser, has echoed similar claims on social media, potentially influencing the President’s stance.
- Distracting from Domestic Issues: Focusing on alleged international crises can divert attention from domestic challenges and controversies.
Racial Implications and Criticisms
Critics argue that Trump’s emphasis on the alleged persecution of white South Africans, while downplaying or ignoring the struggles of other groups, reflects racial bias:
- Selective Humanitarianism: The decision to grant refugee status to white South Africans, while maintaining restrictive policies toward other asylum seekers, has been labeled as racially selective and politically motivated.
- Undermining Genuine Genocide Claims: By misapplying the term “genocide,” Trump risks diminishing the gravity of actual genocides and undermining efforts to address real instances of mass atrocities.
Conclusion
President Trump’s claims of a “white genocide” in South Africa lack credible evidence and have been widely discredited by experts, courts, and international observers. The motivations behind these assertions appear to be politically driven, potentially aiming to appeal to specific voter bases and distract from domestic issues. Furthermore, the selective focus on the alleged persecution of white South Africans raises concerns about underlying racial biases. It is crucial for policymakers and the public to critically assess such claims and rely on verified data and expert analyses to inform their understanding of complex international issues.
