NEED TO KNOW
- Trump used a photo from Congo as “evidence” of white genocide in South Africa during a meeting with President Ramaphosa.
- The image was from a Reuters video covering conflict in Goma, not South Africa, and featured Black victims, not white farmers.
- Trump cut all U.S. aid to South Africa and invited white South African farmers to the U.S. as refugees to support his claim.
Evidence Straight from the Internet Printer
President Donald Trump met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office and presented what he called “proof” of white genocide. He held up a printout featuring an image of body bags. That photo, it turns out, was from a Reuters report about violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, not South Africa.
“These are all white farmers that are being buried,” Trump said, clutching the printout. Ramaphosa disagreed and explained that violence is not government policy. He tried to clarify the situation, but Trump did not budge.
Reuters later confirmed that the image came from a video filmed in Goma. It captured Black victims of conflict, not land-related violence involving white farmers. Djaffar Al Katanty, the Reuters journalist who filmed the footage, said he was stunned that his work had been used in this way.
American Thinker Provides the Misfire
Trump’s printout originated from a post on American Thinker, a conservative blog. The image in question was credited to a “YouTube screen grab” linked to the Reuters video. Despite being clearly labeled, the image was used to support Trump’s ongoing claims against the South African government.
The White House has not addressed why this incorrect image made it into an official meeting. Staff appeared unwilling to explain how a mistake this large passed through any kind of vetting process.
Even after the correction, Trump remained firm. He cut all U.S. foreign aid to South Africa and invited dozens of white farmers to settle in the United States. Analysts say the move added tension to an already strained diplomatic relationship.
Obsession or Policy?
Trump’s focus on South Africa’s white farmers reflects a broader narrative shared by figures like Elon Musk and other far-right commentators. They claim the South African government is allowing targeted attacks on white Afrikaner communities. However, no evidence supports this claim.
Crime affects farmers of all races in South Africa. Experts there have repeatedly stated that these attacks are not racially motivated. Nonetheless, Trump continues to suggest that South Africa is facing an undeclared civil war.
President Ramaphosa had hoped to improve relations during his visit. Instead, he found himself explaining basic facts and correcting misinformation. Instead, he spent most of the meeting trying to explain that one cannot simply click “Save Image As” on a genocide.
Quote of the Moment
He looked me in the eye and said ‘That’s your country.’ I said, ‘Sir, that’s Congo.’ He said, ‘Same thing, right?’
President Cyril Ramaphosa
