Trump Confronts South Africa's Ramaphosa in Oval Office Over White Farmer Issue

Three months into Donald Trump’s second term, world leaders are learning something. A visit to the Oval Office may come with a public scolding. Trump often tries to provoke or embarrass his guests.

This is what happened on Wednesday when South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa came to visit. Trump had a surprise planned. He dimmed the lights, played a long video, and showed piles of news clippings.

TV cameras were rolling. After a calm talk, a reporter asked Trump what it would take to change his mind about the false idea of “white genocide” in South Africa.

Ramaphosa answered first. He said Trump should “listen to the voices of South Africans.” Trump then asked someone to turn the lights down and play a video. He told Ramaphosa he wanted to show him “a couple of things.”

Elon Musk, Trump’s adviser and a billionaire from South Africa, watched quietly from behind a couch.

The video showed clips of South African political groups chanting “Shoot the Boer,” a song from the anti-apartheid era. Trump, who often attacks the media, used news clips of unclear origin. When asked where the graves of white farmers were, Trump simply said, “South Africa.”

Trump also seemed to think that the people in the video could take land from white farmers. But they are not in the government and do not have that power.

Ramaphosa did sign a new law this year that allows land to be taken without payment. But the law is not being used yet. Ramaphosa also said he did not support the harsh words used in the video.

Still, Ramaphosa was ready for this moment.

Trump does not always notice when foreign leaders try to flatter him. Ramaphosa used this to his advantage.

Trump loves golf. So Ramaphosa brought two famous South African golfers – Ernie Els and Retief Goosen – to the meeting. It was an unusual move for a talk about trade and serious issues.

But Trump clearly enjoyed having the golfers there.

They got almost as much attention as Ramaphosa himself. The South African president stayed calm and only spoke a little.

This may have been the plan. The golfers, along with a white agriculture minister and an Afrikaner billionaire, were there as a kind of shield. And it worked.

Trump kept talking about the farmers. He has even let some move to the U.S. as refugees. But Ramaphosa stayed calm. He did not respond to Trump’s provocations.

At one point, Ramaphosa pointed to the golfers and the billionaire. He told Trump, “If there was Afrikaner farmer genocide, I can bet you, these three gentlemen would not be here.”

Trump did not get the reaction he wanted. But that doesn’t mean he failed.

His dramatic way of talking to foreign leaders is also meant for his supporters at home.

Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement feeds on feelings of anger and unfair treatment. He knows what his fans want to see.

Foreign leaders are learning how to handle these moments better. Trump may need to change his tactics if he wants to keep having an effect.