Trump showed old videos, took crosses out of context in South Africa genocide claims

President Donald Trump raised concerns about alleged “genocide” against white farmers in South Africa during a tense Oval Office meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Trump showed images and video clips depicting rows of crosses, which he claimed were graves of white farmers who had been killed.

However, it was later revealed that the footage Trump referenced was from a protest in South Africa in 2020, not actual burial sites. The crosses were placed along the protest route to commemorate farm murder victims, not as graves. The South African Institute of Race Relations confirmed this information, clarifying that the crosses were temporary and removed after the protest.

The video also featured speeches by Julius Malema and Jacob Zuma, both known for controversial remarks about land ownership and farmers in South Africa. Ramaphosa disassociated his government from the sentiments expressed in the video, emphasizing that extremist views did not represent official policies.

Elon Musk, a top advisor to Trump and a South African native, was present during the meeting. He has echoed Trump’s claims of violence and discriminatory laws prompting white South Africans to flee the country. However, Ramaphosa, political parties in South Africa, and a South African judge have rejected the notion of a white genocide in the country.

While there have been instances of violence against farmers in South Africa, a court ruling in 2025 dismissed claims of white genocide as unfounded. The overall murder rate in the country is high, but there is no evidence to suggest that these crimes are racially motivated. Ramaphosa acknowledged the issue of criminality in the country, noting that both white and black individuals fall victim to violent crimes.

The White House released a statement post-meeting supporting Trump’s assertions about violence in South Africa, citing various news sources as evidence. Despite the administration’s stance, the facts point to a complex issue of crime rather than targeted genocide based on race.

In conclusion, the meeting between Trump and Ramaphosa shed light on the challenges faced by farmers in South Africa, but the narrative of a white genocide is not supported by factual evidence. It is crucial to address crime and violence in South Africa without perpetuating unfounded claims of racial violence.