In a high-stakes meeting, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa faced sharp criticism from President Trump, who reiterated unfounded claims of a white genocide in South Africa. Ramaphosa sought a trade deal to stimulate his country’s struggling economy, but Trump’s controversial remarks overshadowed these discussions. Despite the challenges ahead, including internal pressures on the African National Congress and a coalition government, Ramaphosa’s diplomatic handling of the situation may bolster his reputation domestically as a skilled negotiator in turbulent times.
