Trump Nominates Controversial Media Critic as US Ambassador to South Africa

Credit: SA Government

Former US President Donald Trump has put forward far-right commentator David Clarke as his potential ambassador to South Africa, a move likely to strain diplomatic relations given Clarke’s history of inflammatory remarks about African nations.

Key Concerns

• Nominee Background: Clarke has called South Africa’s land reform “racist expropriation” and accused the ANC of “anti-white policies”
• Diplomatic Impact: Comes amid tense US-SA relations over Russia stance and AGOA trade terms
• Confirmation Process: Senate approval uncertain given Clarke’s lack of foreign service experience

Local Reactions

• DIRCO: “Will evaluate credentials through proper channels”
• Opposition Parties: Warn of “disastrous diplomatic consequences”
• Analysts: See move as aligning with Trump’s “America First” approach to Africa

The nomination coincides with crucial negotiations on SA’s AGOA trade benefits and follows Clarke’s 2023 testimony calling for sanctions against Zimbabwean officials.