The extreme remarks of the leader of South Africa's far-left party, the Economic Freedom Fighters, Julius Malema, have become a basis for U.S. President Donald Trump to question South African President Cyril Ramaphosa about the persecution of white farmers and the appropriation of white land. During a press conference, a journalist asked, "How do you want President Ramaphosa to handle the situation?" Trump responded, "I don’t know, but you see the reports from the past few days, they are all about death."

Trump played a video showing a roadway filled with crosses, claiming that it was a graveyard for thousands of victims. Ramaphosa appeared confused, stating he had never heard of the place, and it was later revealed by the media that the video depicted an art installation from a protest in KwaZulu-Natal in 2020.

Trump continued to accuse the South African government of allowing land appropriations and white farmers to be killed, while wealthy South African businessman Johann Rupert stated, "We have many deaths, but this is a widespread issue, not limited to white farmers. We need technological assistance; we need Starlink in every small police station."

Relations between the U.S. and South Africa have plummeted since Trump's presidency due to issues surrounding land reform, racial tensions, and accusations against Israel for committing genocide in Gaza. Former U.S. Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was expelled in March for allegedly inciting racial hatred.

To break the diplomatic stalemate and improve economic relations, Ramaphosa brought along Rupert and two golf stars, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, and presented Trump with a comprehensive book documenting South African golf courses. Ramaphosa expressed a desire for both countries to continue their long-standing partnership and offered to provide the U.S. with critical minerals needed for economic and industrial growth. During the live press conference, when an NBC reporter pressed Trump about the Qatar gift plane controversy, Trump's discomfort was evident as he lashed out, calling ABC, NBC, and CBS fake news media. As the tensions rose, Ramaphosa attempted to defuse the situation, but Trump's responses left many stunned. Ramaphosa stated, "I’m sorry, I cannot send a plane to you," to which Trump replied, "I hope you do, I would accept it if your country sent a plane to the U.S. Air Force."