Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken decisive action by declaring South Africa’s Ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool, persona non grata, effectively banning him from the country. The move comes after Rasool made inflammatory remarks attacking President Donald Trump and the United States, further escalating tensions between the two nations.
Rubio: “America Won’t Tolerate Anti-American Diplomats”
Rubio announced the expulsion in a firm statement, making it clear that America will not play host to foreign officials who harbor deep-seated hatred toward the country and its leadership.
“South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country. Ebrahim Rasool is a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates our President. We have nothing to discuss with him, and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA.”
Rasool’s Radical Ties and History of Anti-Americanism
Rasool’s expulsion did not come out of nowhere. He has a long history of controversial statements and radical affiliations, including:
- Hosting and praising Hamas operatives, even calling Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin “one of the greatest inspirations.”
- Cozying up to Iran and Russia, supporting policies that undermine American interests and global stability.
- Aligning with extremist groups while attacking the U.S., making it clear his loyalties lie with anti-Western forces rather than fostering genuine diplomacy.
Just weeks before Hamas launched its October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, Rasool boasted about receiving a personal gift from Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was later eliminated by Israeli forces. This alone should have been enough to disqualify him from any role in U.S. diplomacy.
Bipartisan Support for Rubio’s Decision
Even in a divided political landscape, Rubio’s move has drawn bipartisan praise, with lawmakers emphasizing that the U.S. must take a firm stand against anti-American foreign envoys.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch backed Rubio’s decision, stating, “I applaud this action. Someone who openly hates the U.S. and praises terrorist organizations has no place in diplomacy.”
Strained U.S.-South Africa Relations
This latest incident further strains relations between the U.S. and South Africa, which have already been tense due to:
- South Africa’s controversial land expropriation policies, which target the Afrikaner minority, drawing criticism from human rights organizations.
- South Africa’s increasing alignment with adversaries like Russia and Iran, raising concerns that its government is turning away from democratic principles and U.S. cooperation.
Rubio’s Move Reinforces Trump’s America First Diplomacy
By expelling Rasool, Rubio has reinforced President Trump’s strong America First stance, ensuring that the United States will not tolerate diplomats who disrespect its leadership, undermine its allies, or sympathize with extremist groups.
This decision sends a clear message to foreign envoys worldwide: If you don’t respect America, you’re not welcome here.