Donald Trump sparked controversy with a “disturbing” response after South Africa’s president criticized him over a $400 million plane gift.
A recent Oval Office meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sparked significant controversy.
During the meeting, Ramaphosa took a subtle jab at Trump about a lavish $400 million gift.
The gift is a Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar’s royal family, intended to become the next Air Force One.
The gift has been widely criticized in the U.S. for potentially violating constitutional rules against foreign influence.
However, despite the backlash, the Trump administration accepted the aircraft.
The $400 million plane gift that sparked global criticism
Trump recently confirmed the unusual gift from Qatar, describing the jet as a “palace in the sky” due to its extravagant features.
Receiving such an opulent gift as president was unprecedented and raised bipartisan concerns about potential bribery in the U.S.
This political storm has not been confined to America alone.
Ramaphosa’s comments at their May 21 meeting reflected some international unease about the situation.
Trump reacts harshly after South African president criticizes him over $400 million plane gift
The meeting took an unexpected turn as Trump shifted to contentious topics.
He launched into disproven conspiracy theories about violence against white farmers in South Africa.
Trump claimed a “genocide” was happening against these farmers.
He accused the media of ignoring this crisis and focusing on his costly new plane instead.
In response, Ramaphosa appeared to deflect with a dry remark: “I’m sorry, I didn’t have a plane to give you.”
Trump replied: “I wish you did. I would take it.
“If your country offered the United States Air Force a plane, I would take it.”
Social media reacts to Trump’s comments
Trump’s exchange with Ramaphosa quickly caught attention on social media platforms.
Several commentators described his willingness to accept the plane gift as a troubling sign of susceptibility to foreign influence.
Comments accused Trump of admitting he could be “bought” and revealed a “mask off” moment in his leadership.
One user said: Jesus and SNL are watching. Saturday will be hilarious.
The second user wrote: The South African President’s smile and visible grin while watching the videos presented by President Trump reveal a great deal about his attitude toward white farmers in the country.
The world is watching and standing up. All thanks to President Trump.
The third user commented: That was funny – Sorry Mr President, I don’t have a plane that I can give you
The fourth user said: He is thinking he’s King of the World
Another user said: It’s like getting called into the principals office.
Someone addeD: He said in basic terms that he’s a man that can be bought by anyone but we already knew that
Trump’s darker claims and cultural controversy
The dialogue became even more unsettling when Trump played an anti-apartheid song during the meeting, which contains lyrics about violence toward farmers.
He suggested that South Africa’s government was complicit in sanctioning violence against white citizens.
However, Ramaphosa strongly rejected these claims, clarifying that the song is controversial but not to be taken literally.
He stressed his government opposes violence and urged Trump to heed South African voices.
“Their land is being confiscated and in many cases they’re being killed,” Trump added.
South African leaders counter Trump’s narrative
South African businessman Johann Rupert highlighted that violence impacts all communities, not only white farmers, during the meeting.
Rupert pointed out widespread deaths, challenging Trump’s and allies’ narrative.
Agricultural groups and courts in South Africa have also disputed claims of targeted violence against white farmers.
“It’s not only white farmers. It’s across the board,” he said.
Trump’s continued promotion of controversial views
Despite pushback, Trump has continued to promote the idea that white South Africans are under threat.
He has allied with influential figures like Elon Musk, who has close ties to South Africa, to push this narrative.
Trump even took the extraordinary step of granting refugee status to over 50 white South Africans, signaling his commitment to this cause.
His stance has fueled international debate and criticism, illustrating the ongoing political tensions surrounding this issue.