However, tensions between Pretoria and Washington have been simmering for some time, with diplomatic tensions escalating since the Ukraine and Russia war, while there were also tensions further fuelled by Pretoria taking Israel to the International Criminal Court for the genocidal bombardment of Gaza by the US ally,

Although the Expropriation Act, which was signed by South African president Cyril Ramaphosa in January, includes safeguards against abuse, Trump proclaimed that “South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY," and vowed to order an investigation by the U.S. government.