US President Donald Trump’s threats of punitive action against South Africa for signing a contentious land reform bill into law unleashed a diplomatic storm, with both sides squaring off over trade and financial aid.

In mid-February 2025, posts on social media sites like Facebook (archived here) alleged that the nation of South Africa had announced a ban on all United States-based businesses there and was halting all mining exports to the U.

South Africa has neither suspended U.S. businesses from operating in the country nor stopped exporting minerals to the U.S., contrary to a claim made online in response to Washington’s decision to cut aid.

Earlier this year, South African lawmakers passed the Expropriation Without Compensation Act. This is part of their country’s effort to address the injustices of the past. During the years of white minority rule, black South Africans were dispossessed of their land, some even forcibly relocated to areas far from business districts.

But US aid, mostly for HIV in South Africa, and for food and health care in other African countries, has been very beneficial for these countries, as well as the US and the world. The withdrawal of this aid by President Donald Trump will damage not only Africa but the United States too.

With the US threatening to sever vital trade ties, South African businesses are on edge. Should Africa's most industrialized economy prepare for a major economic and trade shake-up?

Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide disagreed with the USA's views on South Africa's Expropriation Act, but his comments left social media users divided.

The US recently released its 2025 Visa Waiver Program, which state the countries eligible for visa-free travel to the United States.

Four United States of America congressmen wrote to President Donald Trump, asking him to punish South Africa with diplomatic sanctions. SA reacted.