South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who went to the US for trade discussions, had to lighten the mood at the Oval Office after Donald Trump was asked about the luxurious Qatari jet charges amidst the US President's charges against him over targeted violence against white farmers in South Africa.
Trump was fumed at the NBC reporter when he asked about the Qatari jet, which the Pentagon announced would be used as Air Force One.
To lighten the moment, Ramaphosa humorous apologised for arriving without an aircraft gift. "I'm sorry I don't have a plane to give you," the South African leader remarked.
"I wish you had," Trump replied. "Should your nation offer an aircraft to the United States Air Force, I would accept it."
Death. Death. Terrible death: Trump claims of 'White South Africans geocide'At the Oval Office "Lower the lights," President Donald Trump instructed. The Oval Office was ready for a presentation.
A television was brought into the room, and Trump initiated a video presentation.
The scene was unprecedented, even for Trump's unconventional use of the Oval Office. As Trump watched intently, Ramaphosa averted his gaze from the four-minute video showing Black politicians, unaffiliated with Ramaphosa's administration, using anti-apartheid slogans about confronting white South Africans.
These political statements were rhetorical, though conservative outlets use them to promote unfounded claims of genocide in South Africa.
The video concluded with images of white crosses, which Trump claimed represented deceased farmers.
"It's dreadful. I've never witnessed anything similar," Trump stated.
Ramaphosa responded doubtfully.
"I'm curious about the location," he said. "I haven't seen this before."
The exchange was reminiscent of Trump's contentious Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy three months prior, but this encounter remained civil. Unlike the heated exchange with Zelenskyy, Wednesday's meeting demonstrated careful preparation by both leaders.
Trump presented additional materials, including documents allegedly detailing attacks on white farmers.
"Death. Death. Terrible death," Trump said. His government has granted refugee status to numerous Afrikaners, citing discrimination and violence in their homeland.
Ramaphosa disputed genocide claims in South Africa, acknowledging its complex racial history. The country's apartheid system, under Afrikaner rule, ended thirty years ago, with ongoing reconciliation efforts despite residual tensions.
Rather than directly challenging Trump, Ramaphosa deferred to his delegation, including golf champions Ernie Els and Retief Goosen.
The golf-enthusiast president showed appreciation.
"They're champions," Trump remarked. "I respect champions."
Johann Rupert, South Africa's wealthiest person and an Afrikaner businessman, was also present.
"We experience too many deaths across all demographics, not just white farmers," Rupert stated.
He suggested installing "Starlink at every local police station," referencing Elon Musk's satellite internet service. Musk, present at the meeting, claims his white ethnicity prevents him from obtaining operating licenses in South Africa.
Rupert drew parallels with Trump's experience.
"We both lived in New York in the 70s. Its transformation was unimaginable then," he said, expressing optimism about South Africa by mentioning his farm development for his grandchildren and his comfort with "often going to bed without locking the door."
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