Trump Questions Malema's Lack of Arrest in Meeting with Ramaphosa

On May 21st, 2025, during a White House meeting, US President Donald Trump raised concerns with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa about the lack of arrest for Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, for allegedly inciting violence against Afrikaners. Trump stated, "But why wouldn't you arrest that man? That man said 'kill the white farmers, kill the white farmers.'" Ramaphosa responded by clarifying that Malema's statements do not reflect the official position of the South African government, emphasizing their multi-party democracy. He stated, "What you saw, the speeches that are being made, that is not government policy." The exchange highlights the complexities of the relationship between the US and South Africa, and the ongoing debates around land reform and political discourse in South Africa.