Brief Summary
This video features a joint press conference with former President Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, addressing a range of critical issues. The discussion covers trade relations, investment opportunities, and concerns about the treatment of white farmers in South Africa. Trump expresses concerns about reported violence and land confiscation, while Ramaphosa emphasizes his government's commitment to protecting all citizens and fostering economic growth. The conversation also touches on international relations, including the G20 summit and efforts to promote peace in various conflict zones.
- Trade and Investment
- Safety and Security
- International Relations
Introduction and Golfing Legends
Former President Trump welcomes South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, acknowledging his respected status in many circles. Trump mentions South Africa's rich history in golf, naming Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, and Gary Player as examples of the country's golfing legends. He humorously suggests there must be something in the water in South Africa that produces such great golfers. Trump also acknowledges a prominent South African businessman present, thanking him for his attendance.
G20 and US-South Africa Relations
Trump discusses the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa in November, after which he will pass the leadership baton to South Africa for the following year. He acknowledges media reports about issues in South Africa and expresses a desire to help. Trump emphasizes his long-standing relationship with South Africa, noting his many friends there. President Ramaphosa thanks Trump for the welcome and compliments the White House renovations.
Resetting the Relationship and Trade
President Ramaphosa expresses gratitude for the opportunity to bring a diverse delegation, including government officials, trade union representatives, business leaders, and sporting legends. He emphasizes the need to reset the relationship between the United States and South Africa, highlighting their long-standing partnership in various fields such as space, energy, and trade. Ramaphosa aims to increase trade and investment between the two countries, noting the presence of South African companies in the US and vice versa.
Geopolitical Issues and Critical Minerals
Ramaphosa discusses a range of geopolitical issues, including efforts to promote peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, and expresses a desire to support each other. He acknowledges the US as a much larger economy but highlights South Africa's critical minerals, including rare earth minerals, which are essential for US economic growth and re-industrialization. Ramaphosa believes the combination of opportunities and trade between the two countries creates a powerful relationship that needs strengthening.
COVID-19 Assistance and Gratitude
Ramaphosa thanks Trump for providing assistance with respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic, recalling a phone call from five years prior. Trump confirms the call and mentions providing 150 respirators, noting that the US became a "respirator king" during that time. Ramaphosa expresses his heartfelt appreciation for the help provided by the United States during a difficult time.
White African Refugees and Border Security
A reporter asks about welcoming white African refugees and why other refugees have had their protective status revoked. Trump criticizes NBC as "fake news" and claims there are many complaints about Africa. He defends his administration's immigration policies by pointing to the southern border, where he says millions of people have entered the country unchecked, including criminals. Trump asserts that many people are concerned about the situation in South Africa, which is why the meeting is taking place.
Leticia James and Alleged Mortgage Fraud
A reporter asks for Trump's thoughts on Leticia James, the Attorney General of New York, and alleged mortgage fraud. Trump states that he is not involved in the matter but acknowledges that it is being handled by various groups. He mentions allegations of fraudulent mortgage documents and tax evasion, stating that James is "very bad for New York."
Africa Day and Peace Efforts
A reporter asks about Trump's message for Africa Day. Trump expresses his desire for peace, happiness, and health on the continent, highlighting its incredible land and value. He mentions the US's involvement in settling the war between Rwanda and the Congo, with Ramaphosa confirming that the two parties have signed a declaration of principle and are finalizing a peace agreement. Ramaphosa thanks Trump for his efforts, noting that the African continent has been seeking peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for years.
Peace in Congo, Pakistan, India, and Ukraine
Trump states that he sent people to help in Congo and is hearing positive reports. He compares this to settling the conflict between Pakistan and India through trade. Trump also mentions efforts to settle the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stating that he spoke with President Putin and believes progress was made. Ramaphosa confirms South Africa's involvement in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, particularly in the exchange of children who were taken away.
Nelson Mandela's Lessons and the Situation in Ukraine
Ramaphosa recalls when President Zilinski was coming to South Africa and they both agreed to push the peace message. He mentions that Nelson Mandela taught them how to create peace on an unconditional basis through dialogue. Trump acknowledges the hatred and death in Ukraine, stating that he receives satellite pictures of the "killing field."
International Criminal Court and Gaza
A reporter asks what Trump expects regarding the International Criminal Court. Trump responds that he doesn't expect anything due to the anger surrounding the case. Another reporter asks if Trump will speak to Prime Minister Netanyahu about Israel's offensive in Gaza.
White Genocide Claims and South African Perspective
A reporter asks what it would take for Trump to be convinced that there is no white genocide in South Africa. Ramaphosa responds that Trump needs to listen to the voices of South Africans, including his friends, and have quiet discussions. He suggests that the presence of the delegation, including the Minister of Agriculture, indicates that there is no genocide.
Videos and Claims of Violence Against White Farmers
Trump presents videos and articles alleging violence against white farmers in South Africa, including footage of inflammatory speeches and burial sites. The videos include scenes of people singing and chanting about killing white farmers and taking their land. Trump expresses concern over the content and asks for a response.
Rebuttal of Genocide Claims and Government Policy
Ramaphosa clarifies that the speeches in the videos do not represent government policy, emphasizing that South Africa is a multi-party democracy that allows for diverse political expression. He states that government policy is completely against what was said in the videos. Trump counters that people are being killed and their land is being taken, with no consequences for the perpetrators.
Crime Statistics and Technological Assistance
Ramaphosa acknowledges criminality in South Africa but notes that the majority of victims are black people. He emphasizes the need for technological assistance from the US to combat crime, highlighting the use of US technology in identifying shootings. Ramaphosa reiterates the importance of partnership between the two countries to address these challenges.
G20 Concerns and Land Confiscation
A reporter asks if there will be punitive measures if South Africa doesn't address the issues. Trump expresses concern about the situation, especially with the upcoming G20 summit. He mentions that people are trying to come to the US because they fear for their lives and land. Ramaphosa clarifies that the constitution protects land ownership but allows for expropriation for public use. Trump insists that people are being executed and their land is being taken, leading to thousands seeking refuge in other countries.
Elon Musk and Media Coverage
A reporter asks what concessions South Africa could make to improve relations with the US. Trump mentions providing complex machines to South Africa in the past and expresses his great feeling for the country. He notes that many of his South African friends cannot return due to safety concerns. Trump mentions Elon Musk, who is from South Africa, and states that people are fleeing the country for their own safety. He criticizes the media for not reporting on the issue, contrasting it with the extensive coverage of apartheid.
Minister of Agriculture's Perspective
A reporter asks if the economy could collapse if white farmers flee. South Africa's Minister of Agriculture acknowledges a rural safety problem and the need for more policing resources. She states that the majority of farmers want to stay in South Africa and that the government is working to make farm attacks and stock theft a priority crime. The Minister denounces the language used in the videos and emphasizes that South Africa belongs to all who live in it.
Minority Parties and Crime
The Minister of Agriculture identifies the individuals in the videos as leaders of opposition minority parties. She explains that her party joined hands with Ramaphosa's party to keep those individuals out of power. Trump questions why the man who called for killing white farmers has not been arrested.
US Aid and Future Relations
The discussion shifts to US aid and its impact on the African continent. Trump states that the US always gets requests for money while other nations, like Europe, do not contribute. A reporter asks about the potential for future relations if the resettlement issue is resolved. Trump expresses hope for resolution and emphasizes the importance of the issue.
Ernie Els' Perspective
Ernie Els expresses his pride as a South African and his desire to see things improve in his home country. He notes that it has been 35 years since the transition and acknowledges the anger from the apartheid era. Els emphasizes that two wrongs don't make a right and that Nelson Mandela unified the nation with sport. He believes the US can help push things forward and that business and farmers are getting involved in rebuilding infrastructure.
Johan Rupert's Input
Johan Rupert states that he is the biggest target of one of the "rabble rousers" mentioned. He acknowledges that there are too many deaths across the board, not just among white farmers. Rupert calls for technological help, such as Starlink and drones, to combat crime. He also mentions the problem of illegal aliens and the need to grow the economy to address the culture of dependency and lawlessness.
Economic Growth and Investment
Ramaphosa emphasizes the need for economic growth and investment to create jobs and address societal problems. He highlights the mutually beneficial relationship between the US and South Africa, where trade and investment create jobs in both countries. Ramaphosa reiterates that the main reason for being there is to foster trade and investment to grow the economy.
Retief Goosen's Experience
Retief Goosen shares his experience growing up in a farming area in South Africa, noting that some of his father's farmer friends were killed. He mentions that his brothers still run the farm but face constant challenges, including arson attempts. Goosen emphasizes the importance of farmers for food production and the need to support them.
Trade Union Perspective
The president of the largest trade union in South Africa, Ziggy Solos, expresses support for the government's initiative with business. She emphasizes the importance of growing the economy and attracting foreign direct investment. Solos also highlights the need to address porous borders and the issue of land expropriation. She acknowledges the high crime statistics in South Africa and calls for both nations to work together to address the levels of crime.
Genocide Determination and G20 Importance
A reporter asks if Trump has made up his mind about whether genocide is occurring in South Africa. Trump responds that he hasn't made up his mind and is trying to save lives wherever he can. Another reporter asks how important it is for the US to be at the G20 summit in November. Trump states that without the US, the G20 is not as important. Ramaphosa emphasizes the US's key role in the G20 and expresses his expectation for the US to continue playing a leadership role.
