Tensions Flare at White House Meeting Between Trump, Ramaphosa, South African Golf Stars Caught in Middle

A routine diplomatic meeting at the White House turned unexpectedly tense Wednesday when President Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with controversial claims about attacks on white farmers in South Africa, as per Fox News.

Joining Ramaphosa at the Oval Office were two of South Africa’s most celebrated golfers, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen. The pair accompanied the president as part of a broader engagement with the former U.S. leader, which was initially cordial but quickly took a dramatic turn.

According to sources present at the meeting, Trump presented Ramaphosa with a video and documents that he alleged showed violent treatment of white South African farmers, including what he claimed were reports of “thousands” of Afrikaner deaths. The South African president strongly denied the accusations, asserting that the content of the video and documents did not reflect the policies or reality under his administration.

As tensions mounted, Trump turned to Els and Goosen, bringing them into the conversation. Introducing the pair, Trump praised their careers and contributions to golf, calling them “fantastic” athletes and acknowledging South Africa’s legacy in the sport.

Els, a former world No. 1 golfer, responded diplomatically. Presenting his passport, he described himself as a “proud South African” and acknowledged the nation’s difficult history.

“I know there was a lot of anger through the transition. There was a lot of stuff happening in the apartheid days,” Els said. “We grew in the apartheid era, but I don’t think two wrongs make a right.” He expressed hope that the meeting would help foster understanding and promote progress in South Africa.

Goosen, a two-time U.S. Open champion, spoke more candidly about the dangers faced by farmers in his home country. He described personal experiences of violence and fear endured by his family members living on rural land.

“My dad was a property developer as well as a part-time farmer, and, yeah, some of his buddy farmers got killed,” Goosen said. “They’re trying to burn the farms down, to chase you away. So it is, it is a concern to try make a living as a farmer.”

He detailed the security measures his relatives have taken, including installing electric fences, and shared that both of his parents had experienced attacks at their homes.

Despite the heavy subject matter, Goosen emphasized that many South Africans continue to lead fulfilling lives. “The guys live a great life despite everything going on,” he said.

Both golfers have longstanding ties to Trump, who is a noted golf enthusiast and owns numerous golf properties. A 2013 Facebook post by Trump featured a photo of himself with Els at Trump National Doral, highlighting their connection.