WASHINGTON – The Trump administration is set to resettle the first group of white South Africans in the United States next week, according to U.S. media reports on Thursday. This move follows President Donald Trump’s sharp criticism of South Africa’s land expropriation law, which he claims discriminates against the country’s white minority, particularly Afrikaner farmers.
Trump, who has personal ties to South Africa through billionaire ally Elon Musk, born in the country, said the legislation signed in January enables the South African government to seize agricultural property from ethnic minority Afrikaners without compensation—a charge South African officials have denied, stating the law applies only under exceptional public interest circumstances.
U.S. investigative outlet The Lever first reported the resettlement plan, citing an April 30 government memo that indicated the arrivals were expected “within a few days.” Other outlets, including NPR and The New York Times, confirmed the story, noting that around 1,000 Afrikaners could be resettled in the U.S. this year, although the exact arrival date may vary due to logistical concerns.
Despite initially suspending refugee admissions upon taking office, Trump announced in February that he would prioritize refugee program access for Afrikaners who he claims are victims of racial discrimination. In a further escalation of tensions, Trump also signed an executive order freezing U.S. aid to South Africa over the land reform policy.