Trump Watch: Trump blames Zelenskyy for war after deadly Russian attack
Donald Trump matters a lot to Mzansi and the rest of the world right now. Trump and his South African-born right-hand man, Elon Musk, are changing the way America works – and how the world’s most powerful country deals with the rest of the world.
We’ll track what they do and connect the dots to your daily life.
Trump blames Zelenskyy for war after deadly Russian attack
Just days after 35 people were killed in Ukraine by Russian missiles — including two children — US President Donald Trump blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for helping to start the war.
Speaking from the White House, Trump said that millions of people have died because of three people: Russia’s Vladimir Putin, former US president Joe Biden, and Zelenskyy.
He said the war could have been stopped: “Biden could’ve stopped it, Zelenskyy could’ve stopped it, and Putin should never have started it,” Trump told reporters, Sky News reported.
He also said Ukraine made a mistake by going to war with a much stronger country: “You don’t start a war with someone 20 times your size and hope people give you missiles,” he said.
The comments came just after two Russian missiles hit the city of Sumy during a Palm Sunday celebration. It was one of the deadliest attacks in Ukraine this year, and over 100 people were injured.
Zelenskyy has called for help from the world. Russia claimed it hit a military target but has shown no proof.
Trump said he wants to end the war and stop people from dying: “All I want to do is stop the killing.”
Image source: File
White House claims Trump is healthy and fit to lead
Donald Trump is “fully fit” to run the United States, even though he has high cholesterol, slightly high blood pressure, and a scar from a gunshot, according to a report from the White House doctor.
The report came after Trump, who is 78 years old, went for his yearly health check-up. The doctor, Sean Barbella, said Trump is in good shape, both physically and mentally, and is taking medicine to manage his cholesterol.
Trump’s cholesterol level is now 140, which is healthy. In 2018, it was over 220. His blood pressure is a little high at 128 over 74, but it’s not dangerous.
The report also said Trump is up to date on all his vaccines, even though his health secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, has questioned vaccines in the past.
Trump still has a scar on his ear from when he was shot at during a campaign rally last year. He survived, but one person died and others were injured.
Trump told reporters after the exam: “I think it went well. They did every test you can imagine.”
He also said he took a cognitive test to check his memory and thinking skills. He scored 30 out of 30, which means he passed with full marks. The test includes tasks like drawing a clock, remembering words, and naming animals.
His heart rate was 62 beats per minute, which is normal for someone in good health.
Image source: White House
Tariff pause is no relief for South Africa
South Africa has been given a 90-day break from Donald Trump’s harsh import tariffs but experts say it’s not really good news.
The US dropped tariffs on many SA goods from 31% down to 10%, giving local exporters a bit of breathing room. But analysts and unions say this is just a tactic by Trump’s administration to force South Africa into signing trade deals that favour the US.
Trade Minister Parks Tau confirmed that SA is included in the pause and said talks have already begun. But some tariffs, like the 25% tax on cars, steel, and aluminium, are still in place.
Experts say the US is using tariffs as a negotiating weapon. Dr Frederich Kirsten, an economist, said: “It’s not about relief — it’s about pressure. The US now holds the cards,” he told The Citizen.
Political analyst Sandile Swana warned that the US is trying to change global trade rules. “When you trade with the US, they want your country to play by American rules — even if it hurts your economy,” he said.
Unions are worried too. Cosatu says 500,000 jobs in South Africa are linked to trade with the US. They called the 10% tax on agriculture “still too high” and warned that keeping cars at a 25% tariff could kill exports and cause job losses.
The US tariff pause isn’t a gift — it’s a way to pressure SA into making deals that could hurt workers, weaken trade rules, and threaten jobs. With unemployment at around 32%, SA can’t afford to play along without a fight.
Image source: File
Lesotho made Trump’s shirts — now he’s taxing them 50%
Some of Donald Trump’s fancy golf shirts were made in Lesotho, the same country he just hit with a huge 50% tariff.
Trump’s branded shirts, made by golf legend Greg Norman’s clothing brand, have tags showing they were made in Lesotho. But now, because of Trump’s new import rules, clothing from Lesotho will cost 50% more to bring into the US.
That’s bad news for Lesotho. The country depends on selling clothes to the US — it’s one of the biggest parts of its economy and supports 15,000 jobs, News24 reported.
Before this, Lesotho’s clothes went into the US tariff-free under a deal called AGOA, which helps African countries trade with America. But that benefit is now gone.
The reason? Trump says Lesotho has a trade “imbalance” with the US, mostly because of diamond sales.
Greg Norman, who makes the shirts and supports Trump, once called him “a breath of fresh air.” Now, that air comes with a big bill.
Lesotho’s economy is closely tied to South Africa. If thousands of jobs are lost there, it can affect trade, migration, and our shared economy. And if Trump is raising tariffs on neighbours like Lesotho, South Africa could face even more pressure — we’ve already been hit with a 30% tariff.
Image source: File
Trump’s tan taxed as tariff war hits his face
Donald Trump’s new import taxes could end up hitting his own face — as prices rise on tanning products used to create his famous orange glow.
Trump’s massive new tariffs came into effect on April 5, adding tariffs to thousands of foreign products. And that includes fake tan.
Popular UK bronzer brand St. Tropez will now cost Americans 10% more, while Trump’s rumoured favourite face cream — Swiss brand Bronx Colors — will be hit with a 31% tariff.
That means the president’s signature orange look could soon come with a higher price tag, Daily Star reported.
Trump reportedly insists on 2 bottles of the Swiss concealer in his bedroom at all times.
But now, thanks to his own tariffs, Americans will be paying more for beauty products, food, clothes, and electronics.
Image source: @WhiteHouse
Trump wants to ban sex toys and bring back child labour
Donald Trump is trying to make it harder to buy sex toys — and easier for kids to work overnight.
In Texas, a new law would force people to show their ID just to buy a vibrator online. Sellers who don’t check could face a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
Another proposed law would ban big shops like Walmart from selling sex toys at all — only strip clubs and sex shops would be allowed to sell them.
The official term for a sex toy in Texas? An “obscene device” — including dildos and anything used to “stimulate genitals.”
Sex expert Dr. Shamyra Howard said, “It turns something normal and healthy into something shameful.”
Meanwhile, in Florida, lawmakers want to let 14-year-olds work night shifts, even on school days.
One journalist put it simply: “Orgasms are out. Child labour is back.”
Image source: File
Zimbabwe cuts US tariffs as Africa faces trade war
Zimbabwe’s president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, says his country will drop all tariffs on goods coming from the US — just days after Donald Trump slapped an 18% tariff on Zimbabwe’s exports going into America.
Mnangagwa says he wants to improve relations with the US and hopes this move will open the door to better trade. But many people say it’s a bad deal.
Top journalist Hopewell Chin’ono says Zimbabwe is trying to “please” Trump in the hopes that US sanctions on Mnangagwa will be removed — but he calls it “a long shot.”
Zimbabwe has been under some form of US sanctions for over 20 years, mainly due to human rights abuses and corruption. Biden removed the old sanctions last year but kept targeted sanctions on 11 people, including Mnangagwa himself.
Now, Zimbabwe says it wants fair trade and friendly relations. But critics say the US will benefit far more from this decision than Zimbabwe will.
Trade between the two countries is small — just over $110 million in 2024 — and most experts say scrapping tariffs won’t help Zimbabwe much.
Mnangagwa, who is currently the chair of the SADC region, is also being criticised for acting alone. Some say he should be working with other African countries to respond to Trump as a group, not going solo.
Trump has placed huge tariffs across Africa:
- Lesotho: 50% tariff on exports
- South Africa: 30% tariff on exports
- Zimbabwe: 18% tariff.
Lesotho says it will send a team to the US to negotiate.
Trump’s new tariffs are already hitting South Africa hard, with a 30% tax on goods going into the US. That could hurt our exports, lead to job losses, and make our economy even more unstable. And if other African countries start making one-sided deals, SA could be left behind.
Image source: @edmnangagwa
Donald Trump calls America a ‘healing patient’
Donald Trump says America is like a patient that just had surgery — and now it’s getting better, thanks to his new trade rules.
On what he’s calling “Liberation Day”, Trump signed off on a big new tax (called a tariff) on goods coming into the US from other countries, including the UK, Japan, South Korea and South Africa.
For example, goods from South Africa will now face a 30% tariff when they enter America.
Even though many Americans are worried about prices going up, Trump celebrated on social media, writing:
“THE OPERATION IS OVER! THE PATIENT LIVED, AND IS HEALING. THE PATIENT WILL BE STRONGER, BIGGER, BETTER.”
But not everyone is impressed.
The UK government says it won’t react just yet, and Japan is deciding whether to fight back with its own tariffs. Experts also pointed out that some of Trump’s claims in his speech were wrong — like when he said American companies aren’t allowed to sell cars in other countries.
To make things more awkward, Trump walked off the stage after his speech before signing the actual papers. A staff member had to bring him back to finish the job.
When big countries like the US start taxing imports, it can cause global prices to rise. That means we might end up paying more here in South Africa for fuel, food, cars and other goods.
Image source: File
Elon Musk expected to leave Trump’s government soon
Elon Musk is expected to leave his role in Donald Trump’s government in the next few weeks, according to insiders.
Musk has been working as a special advisor in Trump’s new department called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). But now, with Tesla sales dropping and more people criticising his influence in politics, Musk is stepping back to focus on his businesses.
His time as a “special government employee” is set to end around May or June.
At a press briefing, Trump said: “At some point, he’s going back. I’d keep him as long as I can — he’s very smart.”
But behind the scenes, there’s been trouble. Some people in Trump’s team say Musk’s behaviour has become difficult to manage. His surprise announcements and posts on social media have caused problems, and many in the White House have been frustrated.
Musk has also become a political problem. He recently spent millions supporting a judge in an American election — but the judge lost badly. His link to Trump is also hurting Tesla, as some customers are now avoiding the brand. Tesla’s share price has dropped, and some experts say Musk is turning people away with his behaviour.
Trump has also started to distance himself from DOGE, the government project Musk created to “cut waste.” Some say it caused more confusion than results.
Elon Musk was born in Pretoria, and he’s one of the most powerful people in the world. His role in the US government affects decisions about technology, business, and even space. If Musk steps away from politics, it could change how the US works with other countries — including South Africa.
Image source: @POTUS
Trump to announce new taxes on imports
Donald Trump is set to make a big announcement on Wednesday that could affect prices around the world — including in South Africa.
He’s calling it “Liberation Day”, and he plans to add new taxes (called tariffs) on goods coming into the United States from other countries.
That means anything the US buys from overseas — like cars, clothes, electronics, oil, and food — could be taxed more. Trump says he’s doing this to protect American businesses and workers, and to punish countries he thinks have taken advantage of the US for years.
Reports say Trump may add:
- 20% tax on all imported goods
- 25% tax on cars and car parts
- Extra taxes on oil, steel, and products from countries like Canada, Mexico, Brazil, India and the EU
These new tariffs would start right away — and many people are worried.
Business leaders in the US say the extra taxes will make things more expensive for them, and they’ll likely raise prices for customers to make up for it. That could lead to a rise in the cost of living in many countries.
The global stock market has already dropped, and experts say Trump’s plan could help cause a worldwide recession — which means job losses, rising prices, and slower trade.
If prices go up in the US and Europe, South Africans could feel it too. We might pay more for things we import, like petrol, electronics and food. If global trade slows down, South African businesses could lose money — and that puts jobs at risk.
Image source: File
Trump says he’s not joking about a third term as president
Donald Trump has suggested he could try to stay in the White House for a third term, despite the US Constitution saying that’s not allowed.
Speaking in an interview, the 78-year-old president said “a lot of people want me to do it,” and hinted that his vice president JD Vance could take over as president — and then step down so Trump could return.
“I’m not joking,” Trump said. “There are ways you could do it.”
Under US law, no president can be elected more than twice. But Trump’s latest comments have experts worried. Former congressman David Jolly warned: “If he says he’s not ruling it out, we should take it seriously.”
Legal experts say it’s likely just political theatre — but with Trump, anything is possible.
If Trump starts a trade war, it could make everyday things more expensive here in South Africa. Our economy is connected to the global market, so if prices go up in the US and Europe, we feel it too. And if Trump finds a way to stay in power longer than the law allows, it could encourage other world leaders to try the same — which is bad news for democracy everywhere.
Image source: @POTUS
‘Pissed off’ Trump warns Putin to back off or face tariffs
Donald Trump says he’s “very angry” and “pissed off” with Russian president Vladimir Putin and now he’s threatening major new oil tariffs to force a peace deal in Ukraine.
The outburst came after Putin suggested Ukraine should kick out president Volodymyr Zelenskyy as part of a ceasefire agreement — something Trump called a “step in the wrong direction.”
Speaking to NBC News, Trump said: “If Russia and I can’t make a deal to stop the bloodshed, and I think it’s Russia’s fault — which it might be — I’ll hit them with massive tariffs. No more Russian oil in the US. No business with countries that buy it. A 25 to 50% tariff.”
Trump has shifted from his previously soft tone on Putin to something more aggressive, even though he insists they still have a “good relationship.”
His latest comments come as peace talks drag on with no clear end in sight. Russia says negotiations could stretch into 2026 and continues to demand the lifting of sanctions as a condition for any ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to bomb Ukrainian cities. A drone strike on Kharkiv this weekend killed two people and injured 35, including patients in a military hospital.
A wider or longer war in Ukraine keeps global fuel prices high, food costs rising, and world markets unstable. If Trump gets tough on Russia, it could shake up oil supplies — and the impact will reach South African wallets fast.
Image source: File
Trump calls himself the fertilisation president
Donald Trump has given himself a strange new nickname: “the fertilisation president.”
He was speaking at the White House during a Women’s History Month event when he started talking about helping more women access IVF (in vitro fertilisation) — a medical process that helps people have babies.
“There will be tremendous goodies in the bag for women,” Trump said. Then he added: “I’ll be known as the fertilisation president — and that’s OK.”
People in the room laughed, and Trump smiled: “Actually, I like it. I’ve been called worse.”
Trump has been trying to win over more women voters by promising that the government will help pay for fertility treatments.
He also made headlines earlier this year when he called himself “the father of IVF,” even though he admitted he didn’t know much about it until recently.
Image source: File
Trump picks far-right media boss as new US ambassador to SA
US President Donald Trump has nominated Brent Bozell — a hardcore conservative media figure — as America’s new ambassador to South Africa.
Bozell is best known for founding the Media Research Center, a group that attacks what it calls “liberal bias” in the US media. Trump made the announcement on his social media account, calling Bozell “fearless” and praising his “extraordinary experience.”
“Brent brings fearless tenacity, extraordinary experience, and vast knowledge to a Nation that desperately needs it,” Trump wrote. “Congratulations Brent!”
Bozell could replace Reuben Brigety, who resigned in January after several rocky months in Pretoria. His nomination was confirmed this week in a formal note sent to the US Senate.
This comes as relations between the US and South Africa remain tense, with Trump cutting funding and booting SA’s ambassador Ebrahim Rasool out of Washington earlier this month.
Bozell is a known Trump loyalist who’s been part of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement. Some insiders say this appointment is less about diplomacy — and more about messaging.
Brent Bozell is not a diplomat — he’s a political activist who supports Trump’s views and often attacks anyone who disagrees. His appointment means the US may take a tougher, more aggressive approach toward South Africa. That could make it harder for our government to work with the US on things like trade, diplomacy, and international issues like Ukraine or Gaza.
Image source: @SenMikeLee
Heavyweight clash at White House ends with missing belt
Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed this week that he doesn’t know what happened to the WBC championship belt he brought to the White House months ago as a gift for Donald Trump.
The belt, given to him by heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk after beating Tyson Fury, was meant as a peace offering. But instead of handing it over, Zelenskyy pulled out a folder of disturbing war photos showing tortured Ukrainian soldiers — and the meeting turned into a political punch-up.
Trump, who had already called Zelenskyy a dictator, exploded on camera. “You’re gambling with World War III,” he snapped.
Zelenskyy now says he left the belt on a side table and never saw it again. “Maybe it’s still sitting there,” he told Time magazine this week. Reports say a staffer moved it to Trump’s private dining room — where it may now be collecting dust next to tomato sauce bottles and golf trophies.
Zelenskyy says he doesn’t regret showing the photos instead of the belt. “He has kids. He should feel what we feel,” he said. “But yeah... the conversation went in a different direction.”
Image source: File
Trump’s team accidentally texts war plans to journalist
Top Trump officials have accidentally leaked secret US war plans in a messaging app group chat — by including a journalist in the conversation.
The group, made up of senior figures like Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was discussing attacks on Yemen when they mistakenly added Atlantic magazine editor Jeffrey Goldberg.
Goldberg says he was shocked to see real-time details of the military operation, including names of officials and sensitive tactics. “I thought it was a prank,” he said. “But the attack happened exactly as they planned it.”
The Trump administration has confirmed the breach but is trying to downplay the damage. Hegseth even told reporters, “Nobody was texting war plans.” Goldberg hit back: “That’s a lie. He was.”
If Trump’s top officials can’t keep their own war plans private, it puts global security at risk. Countries like South Africa often work with the US on trade, security, and international cooperation. But if the US keeps making mistakes like this, it’s harder to trust them.
Image source: @POTUS
Rasool says ‘don’t replace me with a white ambassador’
Former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool has told President Cyril Ramaphosa not to choose a white replacement just to please Donald Trump.
Speaking at a homecoming rally in Cape Town on Sunday, Rasool told ANC supporters that South Africa must fix its relationship with the US but without sacrificing its values.
“We can’t think that just because America has a white president, we need a white ambassador,” he said. “We need someone who can rebuild ties, but still stand strong for what we believe in.”
Rasool was kicked out of the US last week after Trump’s government accused him of being disrespectful. Now, names like deputy minister Andries Nel and former DA leader Tony Leon are being floated as possible replacements but the presidency says there’s no rush.
Rasool also called for a new kind of diplomacy — one based on Ubuntu. “Ubuntu diplomacy is not about lying to protect your country or flattering your host,” he said. “It’s about telling the truth with respect, standing your ground, and keeping your dignity.”
The next ambassador will shape how South Africa navigates a tough relationship with Trump’s US. That choice will say a lot about whether we stand firm — or bend under pressure.
Image source: File
France wants the Statue of Liberty back
French leaders are demanding that the United States give back the Statue of Liberty — all because of Donald Trump.
French politician Raphaël Glucksmann says the statue, which was gifted to the US 140 years ago, no longer belongs there. He says Trump has “sided with tyrants” and no longer represents the values the statue stands for.
“We gave it to you as a symbol of freedom,” Glucksmann said. “But if you’ve chosen to support dictators and silence scientists, then we want our gift back.”
The Trump administration hit back hard, saying the statue is going nowhere. A White House spokesperson said France should be grateful to the US for helping them win World War II and added that “if it wasn’t for America, they’d be speaking German.”
Even Australia’s former Prime Minister jumped in, reminding everyone that France once helped America fight the British in its own war for independence.
This may sound like political theatre but it shows how Trump’s actions are damaging US relationships around the world. As America isolates itself, smaller countries like South Africa feel the knock-on effects in trade, global funding, and foreign policy influence.
Image source: File
Trump says Rasool must leave the US by Friday
South Africa’s ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, has just days to clear out his office and leave America after being declared “persona non grata” by the Trump administration.
The diplomatic bombshell dropped when Secretary of State Marco Rubio blasted Rasool as a “race-baiting politician who hates President Trump” in a social media post after the ambassador discussed white Americans becoming a minority.
Rasool’s diplomatic privileges expired Monday, and he must be out of the country by Friday.
President Ramaphosa is trying to downplay the crisis, calling it a “hiccup” and promising to engage “with deep respect” for Trump, but this comes right after Trump cut funding to South Africa over alleged “anti-white policies.”
As our top diplomat gets ready to fly home, South Africans should watch closely – when ambassadors get expelled, serious economic and political fallout usually follows.
Image source: SA Embassy
Is Trump just Musk’s babysitter now?
New photos from the White House have people asking: who’s really in charge — Donald Trump or Elon Musk?
The pictures show Trump walking next to Musk’s four-year-old son while Musk walks ahead, talking to his staff. In one photo, Trump is even seen helping the boy — nicknamed “Lil X” — onto the presidential helicopter.
Social media had a field day. “Trump finally got a real job — he’s Lil X’s nanny now,” one person joked. Another said: “Imagine being the president but spending your day babysitting a billionaire’s child.”
Some people even asked, “Does this kid live at the White House now?” One user replied: “Of course he does — he’s the real president!”
Musk posted one of the photos himself, calling it “a happy picture.” But many people noticed something else: Musk walking ahead like the boss, while Trump trails behind with the child. “It really shows who has the power,” one person wrote.
Since Trump appointed Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (called DOGE), Musk has become one of the most powerful people in Washington.
Musk was born in Pretoria and now he’s influencing major decisions in the US. That could affect South Africa too, from how we use social media and tech to deals around space, green energy and trade. If Musk is the one calling the shots, his choices could impact jobs, prices, and policies here at home.
Image source: @POTUS
Putin “agrees” to Trump’s ceasefire plan but with a catch
Putin just said yes to Trump’s 30-day ceasefire plan for Ukraine, but don’t get too excited.
While thanking Trump for “regulating the conflict,” Putin added he has “a lot of questions” and any deal must “lead to long-term peace” – Putin-speak for getting what he wants.
The Russian leader couldn’t help boasting that his forces “are on the offensive everywhere” and warned Ukrainian troops they must “surrender or die.”
Experts think Putin’s agreement comes with hidden conditions and might just be playing nice with Trump, who has now restored military aid to Ukraine after Zelenskyy agreed to ceasefire talks.
Why should South Africans care? Because global conflicts affect our economy directly – from higher food prices to unstable markets. Plus, watching Trump broker deals between Russia and Ukraine shows how he handles international problems – a preview of what other countries (including ours) might face.
Image source: File
Trump’s right hand tells a story the White House won’t explain
Something strange is going on with Trump’s hand. A dark mark keeps showing up in photos – most recently during his meeting with Ireland’s leader.
The White House claims it’s just from Trump shaking too many hands. But medical experts aren’t buying it.
Dr. Anatalia Moore, a skin specialist, says normal handshakes don’t cause bruises like that, Daily Star reported.
She thinks it might be from a medical procedure where doctors put a drip in his hand.
She also points out that at 78, Trump could bruise more easily from just bumping into things, as older people often have balance issues and their bodies heal slower.
While it might just be makeup or a minor bruise, these marks are raising questions about the president’s health – something worth watching as his physical condition could affect his decisions on South Africa and other global issues.
Image source: @POTUS
Trump opens door for Afrikaner resettlement in America
It’s official – the US is now actively working to bring Afrikaner South Africans to America as refugees.
The US Embassy just confirmed they’re reviewing applications and will contact people who’ve already applied. This isn’t just Trump talking anymore – it’s becoming real policy.
Trump claims South Africa is “confiscating” white farmers’ land “without compensation” after Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Act. Most experts say this isn’t true, but that hasn’t stopped Trump from offering “a rapid pathway to citizenship” for these farmers.
About 1,500 Afrikaners have already gathered outside the US Embassy in Pretoria to thank Trump for his support.
Meanwhile, our government refuses to get into a shouting match with Trump, with Ramaphosa’s spokesperson saying South Africa won’t engage in “counterproductive megaphone diplomacy.”
The big question now: How many farmers will actually pack up and leave? And what would that mean for our farms, food security, and race relations?
Image source: File
Trump’s market panic and what it means for South Africa
By Dylan Bettencourt
The US stock market just took a nasty dive after Trump twice dodged questions about a recession.
Why should you care? Because when America sneezes, South Africa catches a cold. Trump’s chaos affects us directly:
– When global markets panic, the Rand usually weakens
– Weaker Rand = more expensive imports = higher prices at the shops
– Foreign investors get nervous about putting money in countries like ours
– Our exports become less valuable if America’s economy slows down
Trump admitted his policies might cause economic “pain” before things get better. His own team is now rushing to calm markets, promising there won’t be a recession.
For South Africans already struggling with high prices, Trump’s unpredictable style is the last thing we need.
The big question: Will Trump back down like he did with Canada and Mexico, or stick to his disruptive plans? Either way, as one expert warned: “Good luck in this challenging time.”
Image source: File
De Klerk foundation rejects Trump’s farmer ‘rescue’ plan
By Dylan Bettencourt
The FW de Klerk Foundation has rejected Trump’s offer to give US citizenship to white South African farmers.
Their message? Trump’s plan is based on “disinformation and cheap politics” with “no basis in truth.”
Christo van der Rheede put it simply: “The challenges we face in South Africa aren’t just white people’s problems. We’re all affected by crime, unemployment and bad policies.”
The Foundation warns that Trump’s actions will hurt South Africa’s economy and farming industry.
They also connect Trump’s move to the rise of “ethnic nationalism” worldwide, suggesting right-wing groups are using this to attack South Africa’s non-racial democracy established in 1994.
Meanwhile, our government won’t engage in “megaphone diplomacy” – choosing to ignore Trump’s social media outbursts rather than dignify them with a response.
Image source: File
Health Minister says Trump ‘doesn’t’ owe us a cent’
By Dylan Bettencourt
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said “Trump doesn’t owe South Africa any cent whatsoever” after the US president cut R8 billion in HIV/AIDS funding.
Instead of complaining, he called on South Africa to “stand on our own” and revealed he’s already talking to other donors like the Gates Foundation to replace Trump’s money.
EFF’s Malema had a different take, claiming the cuts are “Israel’s revenge” for South Africa’s support of Palestine. He also warned that land reform will continue “whether they like it or not.”
Motsoaledi couldn’t resist taking a jab at right-wing group Solidarity’s recent White House visit, distinguishing them from the COVID Solidarity Fund that’s helping fill funding gaps.
The bottom line for South Africans living with HIV? The political blame game won’t matter if someone doesn’t step up to save the program that employs 15,000 healthcare workers and keeps millions of patients alive.
Image source: @MYANC
Trump says ‘nobody has ever heard of’ Lesotho
Trump just took a cheap shot at our neighbor Lesotho in his Congress speech, calling it a country “nobody has ever heard of” while Republican lawmakers laughed along.
Why? He was defending his foreign aid cuts, specifically “$8 million for LGBTQI+” in Lesotho – though local LGBTQ groups say they never got this money.
Lesotho’s Foreign Minister is angry, calling the comments “shocking” and promising to send a formal protest to Washington.
The real impact? Lesotho has the world’s second-highest HIV rate, and Trump’s funding cuts threaten healthcare programs that people on both sides of the border rely on.
For South Africans, it’s perhaps a reminder of how Trump sees African nations – as jokes, not partners.
Image source: @POTUS
Zelenskyy folds after Trump cuts military aid
By Dylan Bettencourt
Trump just announced he’s got a letter from Zelenskyy saying Ukraine is “ready to come to the negotiating table” – quite the U-turn after last week’s White House showdown.
After getting his military aid cut off, Zelenskyy’s now saying he wants to “make things right” and is ready “any time and in any convenient format” to sign that minerals deal he previously walked away from.
Trump’s also claiming he’s had “serious discussions with Russia” and received “strong signals they’re ready for peace.”
For South Africans, this drama is worth watching closely. What happens when a superpower suddenly changes sides? We’re seeing countries that depend on American support scrambling to adjust.
In Trump’s world, yesterday’s allies can become today’s bargaining chips – a lesson that applies just as much to Pretoria as it does to Kyiv.
Image source: File
Trump leaves Ukraine stranded
By Dylan Bettencourt
Trump just pulled the plug on Ukraine’s military aid after publicly arguing with Zelenskyy. No more weapons, no more ammo – not even stuff that’s already on ships heading there.
It’s the same tactic he used when cutting South Africa’s HIV funding. One day you’ve got support, the next you don’t.
When Zelenskyy dared say peace might be “very, very far away,” Trump didn’t hold back: the Ukrainian president “won’t be around very long” unless he plays ball.
The message for countries like ours is crystal clear: in Trump’s world, you either give him what he wants or he’ll pull the rug out from under you – no warning, no negotiations.
So when South African ministers next fly to Washington, they’d better have more than just goodwill in their briefcases. In Trumpland, it’s deal or no deal.
Image source: File
Trump vs Zelensky fight in White House Smackdown
By Dylan Bettencourt
Trump and Ukraine’s president Zelenskyy argued live on TV and SA analyst Sandile Swana says it’s a whole new ballgame.
Gone are the days of friendly military aid. Trump’s message was crystal clear: “No minerals, no protection.” While Zelensky talked about friendship, Trump talked about business – leaving the Ukrainian leader visibly stunned.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Association of South Africa is urging us not to abandon Ukraine, warning that Putin won’t stop his expansion plans anytime soon.
Trump’s “my way or the highway” approach could be coming to an international relationship near you.
US ambassador quits as SA relations hit rock bottom
By Dylan Bettencourt
In the latest Trump-era shake-up, Dana Brown, America’s acting ambassador to South Africa, has suddenly resigned.
This exit happens just as relations hit rock bottom, with Trump cutting all funding to South Africa and offering refugee status to Afrikaner farmers.
The timing couldn’t be worse for South Africans. With no permanent US ambassador since January and Brown now leaving in March, our diplomatic channel to America is running on skeleton staff just when we need it most.
Meanwhile, Afrikaner lobby groups AfriForum and Solidarity flew to the White House seeking “humanitarian assistance” – a move Ramaphosa slammed as “sowing divisions.”
For ordinary South Africans, this diplomatic cold war threatens everything from healthcare funding to trade relations, showing how Trump’s personal politics directly impacts our national interests.
Image source: US Embassy
Trump axes USAID funding for HIV
By Dylan Bettencourt
Trump on Thursday pulled the plug on R8.1 billion in HIV funding, telling South African organisations to “immediately cease all activities.” He sent just letters saying the programs “aren’t aligned with Agency priorities.”
This isn’t just American politics – it’s about your friend, neighbour or family member who depends on these services. Some 8 million South Africans rely on HIV treatment programs, and these cuts threaten real lives in our communities.
While the government scrambles for a response, healthcare workers are losing jobs and vulnerable patients are left hanging. From sex workers to pregnant moms, the impact hits hardest on those who need help most.
As one health worker put it to Bhekisasa: “This isn’t just a funding cut – it’s a betrayal.”
Image source: File
Gauteng minister copies Elon Musk strategy
By Zukile Majova
The Gauteng health department is checking if all 85,642 people on its payroll are real workers who actually show up for work.
The department has already frozen the salaries of 66 workers who haven’t come forward to prove they exist.
Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko says her department can’t waste money paying ghost workers when hospitals need more staff and patients need care.
“We have limited resources at our disposal and cannot afford to waste money on ghost workers while hundreds of healthcare workers are looking for employment and thousands of people require access to healthcare services,” she said.
The department’s new Ziveze (Reveal Yourself) Campaign follows a similar move by Elon Musk in America. Musk emailed US government workers asking them to prove what work they’ve done.
The billionaire head of the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency said: “All federal employees will shortly receive an email requesting to understand what they got done last week. Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation.”
In Gauteng, workers must go to their HR office to prove they are real employees. Those who don’t show up risk losing their jobs and could face criminal charges.
So far, 23,789 workers still need to prove they exist.
Image source: @NkomoNomantu
Ukraine fights back against Trump’s mineral grab
By Rorisang Modiba
Trump’s got Zelenskyy flying to Washington on Friday to sign a deal over Ukraine’s precious minerals. Trump initially wanted a massive $500bn chunk of Ukraine’s resources – imagine someone trying that with our platinum!
Much like how South Africans get nervous when foreign companies eye our mineral wealth, Ukrainians weren’t having it. Zelenskyy flat-out refused to sign something “10 generations would have to repay.”
Now, they’ve settled on sharing ownership instead – sound familiar? It’s the same dance our government does with mining giants over our resources.
As global powers scramble for these battery metals and rare earths, South Africa should watch closely. This is exactly the kind of pressure our mineral-rich country could face next.
Image source: File