Trump has ‘disturbing’ response after South African president calls him out with dig about $400,000,000 plane gift

During a recent meeting at the White House, former President Donald Trump had a strange and tense exchange with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Instead of focusing on strengthening ties between the two countries, Trump used most of the meeting to bring up a conspiracy theory. He claimed, without evidence, that white farmers in South Africa were being targeted in a so-called genocide, a claim that has been widely debunked and dismissed by experts and officials in both countries.

As Trump pushed this idea, he also became defensive about a major controversy surrounding a luxury plane. Trump recently accepted a \$400 million private Boeing 747-8 jet from the royal family of Qatar—a gift that many people, including Republicans and Democrats, have criticized. The plane is so extravagant it’s been called a “flying palace.” Critics have raised serious concerns that accepting such a gift could violate the U.S. Constitution, since it might be seen as a bribe from a foreign government. Despite this, Trump has said the jet will be turned into the new Air Force One.

During the meeting, Ramaphosa took a jab at Trump’s jet, saying jokingly, “Sorry, I didn’t have a plane to give you.” Trump replied, “I wish you did. I would take it,” adding that if South Africa gave a plane to the U.S. Air Force, he’d accept it. This comment sparked backlash online, with people saying it sounded like Trump was openly admitting he could be bought. Some called it “disturbing” and pointed out how casually he treated a serious ethical issue.

As the meeting went on, things got even more uncomfortable. Trump reportedly dimmed the lights and played a video featuring a controversial anti-apartheid song used by South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party. The video included dark imagery and lyrics that some interpret as promoting violence against white farmers. Trump even held up articles he claimed proved that white farmers were being attacked with support from the South African government.

President Ramaphosa quickly pushed back. He explained that the song, while controversial, isn’t meant to be taken literally and that a court in South Africa had already ruled on it. He made it clear that his government does not support violence against anyone, and he disagreed completely with Trump’s claims. He urged Trump to actually listen to what South Africans are saying, instead of promoting fear-based stories that aren’t backed by facts.

South African billionaire Johann Rupert, who was also in the room, backed Ramaphosa. He told Trump that, yes, the country struggles with violence, but it’s not targeted only at white farmers—it affects everyone in South Africa. Meanwhile, South African farmers and courts have denied that there’s any government-supported violence against white citizens.

Despite all this, Trump has continued to push the story, even offering refugee status to more than 50 white South Africans. He’s also reportedly blocked the U.S. from taking part in the G20 summit in Johannesburg this year, although Ramaphosa said he still expects Trump to attend.

The whole meeting left many observers shocked. What should have been a diplomatic conversation turned into a one-sided rant filled with misinformation and questionable ethics, once again raising concerns about Trump’s approach to international relations and foreign influence.