South Africa's new U.S. envoy called Trump racist, homophobic and narcissistic in 2020 speech

Los Angeles Times - Apr 15th, 2025
Open on Los Angeles Times

South Africa's newly appointed special envoy to the United States, Mcebisi Jonas, is under scrutiny for remarks he made in 2020, where he criticized then-President Donald Trump as a racist, homophobic, narcissistic 'right-winger.' Appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Jonas is tasked with mending the strained relationship between South Africa and the U.S., a relationship that has been rocky under Trump's administration. This diplomatic tension was exemplified by the expulsion of South Africa's ambassador to the U.S. last month, following controversial comments made during a webinar.

This appointment comes at a time when South Africa is under the microscope for its policies, which Trump has criticized as anti-white and anti-American, leading to a suspension of U.S. funding. Jonas, in his past speech, highlighted the need for democracies to reflect on how a figure like Trump rose to power and expressed hope that his defeat would weaken the deglobalization movement. The speech, which also touched on inequality and globalism, has been circulated in the media, adding complexity to Jonas's new role of fostering a positive bilateral relationship amid these ongoing geopolitical challenges.

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RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and relevant examination of diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the United States during Trump's presidency, focusing on Mcebisi Jonas' appointment as a special envoy. It accurately reports key events and statements, though some claims require further verification and context. The story is generally clear and engaging, with a neutral tone that maintains readability. However, it could benefit from a more balanced presentation of perspectives and additional context for certain claims to enhance transparency and impact. Overall, the article effectively addresses topics of public interest and has the potential to influence discussions about international relations and racial policies.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims about diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States during Trump's presidency. It accurately reports Mcebisi Jonas' appointment as a special envoy and his previous comments about Trump, which are consistent with other reliable sources. However, the claim about an executive order suspending U.S. funding to South Africa over anti-white policies lacks detailed verification. The story also mentions a law allowing land expropriation without compensation, which is factual, but it does not clarify that no land has been seized under this law. The mention of Trump's program offering refugee status to white South African farmers is accurate but lacks context about its controversial nature.

6
Balance

The story predominantly focuses on criticisms of Trump and the diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the U.S., which may skew the perspective towards a negative portrayal of Trump's policies. The article does not provide a balanced view from the Trump administration or detailed counterarguments to the claims about South Africa's policies. While it mentions Trump's criticisms, it does not explore his administration's rationale or perspectives from South African officials who may support the policies in question.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, presenting the information in a logical sequence. The language is straightforward, making the complex diplomatic issues accessible to a general audience. However, some sections could benefit from additional context or clarification, particularly regarding the implications of the policies and actions mentioned. Overall, the article maintains a neutral tone, despite the potentially contentious subject matter.

8
Source quality

The article cites Mcebisi Jonas' speech and actions by the Trump administration, which are verifiable through credible sources. The Associated Press, a reputable news agency, is referenced, lending credibility to the reported facts. However, the lack of direct quotes from official documents, such as the executive order or statements from the Trump administration, slightly diminishes the source quality.

7
Transparency

The article provides a reasonable amount of context about the diplomatic tensions and the background of Mcebisi Jonas' appointment. However, it does not thoroughly explain the basis for Trump's executive order or the specifics of the land expropriation law. The lack of detailed explanations for some claims affects the transparency of the reporting, leaving readers without a full understanding of the motivations and implications behind the actions described.

Sources

  1. https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/national-international/south-africa-envoy-trump-racist-homophobic/3592347/
  2. https://ground.news/article/south-africas-new-us-envoy-called-trump-racist-homophobic-and-narcissistic-in-a-2020-speech
  3. https://afn.net/ap/world/south-africas-new-us-envoy-has-called-trump-racist-homophobic-and-narcissistic/
  4. https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/international/2025/04/15/fgn53-safrica-us-envoy-trump.html
  5. https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/apr/15/south-africas-new-us-envoy-called-donald-trump-racist-homophobic/