Ebrahim Rasool faces expulsion after controversial remarks on U.S. politics

CAPE TOWN, South Africa - Ebrahim Rasool, the South African ambassador to the United States, returned to South Africa after being expelled from his post. The expulsion occurred as a result of comments Rasool made during a webinar, where he described the Make America Great Again movement as a reaction driven by a 'supremacist instinct.' His remarks drew ire from the Trump administration, leading to a declaration of persona non grata by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rasool received a hero's welcome at Cape Town International Airport, where hundreds of supporters gathered to praise him. Rasool expressed that the intent of the expulsion was to humiliate him, but he instead viewed it as a badge of dignity given the warm reception he received upon his return. During his address, he emphasized the importance of maintaining a relationship between South Africa and the U.S., while also standing by his comments regarding demographic shifts in the U.S. and the political landscape transformed under Trump's rule. He underscored the significance of adapting political discussions to reflect the changing dynamics in American society. The expulsion is considered an unusual circumstance, given that it is rare for the U.S. to expel foreign ambassadors. Rasool's remarks were linked in part to criticisms of U.S. political approaches on equity and diversity, which have been scrutinized under the current administration. He highlighted the potential demographic shifts in the U.S. electorate that are projected to lead to a diminishing white majority, which he argued contextualized the political responses from groups like the MAGA movement. He also touched upon South Africa's ongoing legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which the Trump administration has cited as a reason for labeling South Africa as anti-American. Rasool firmly stated that while South Africa would resist pressure to withdraw the case, it is committed to preserving its national interests with the United States. By maintaining a focus on dignity and human rights, Rasool aims to advocate for both Palestinians and the continued partnership with the U.S., asserting that dignity must not be sacrificed in these efforts.