United States President, Donald Trump. (Allison Robbert, Getty Images via AFP)
The relationship between the United States and South Africa has hit a new low as US President Donald Trump nominates Brent Bozell III as the new ambassador to South Africa. This move comes amidst a historic diplomatic freeze between the two nations.
The nomination of Bozell is part of several diplomatic postings announced on the US Congress website. This decision follows the recent expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, after critical remarks made about Trump during a webinar.
Bozell’s appointment requires confirmation by the US Senate. He was initially selected by Trump to lead the US Agency for Global Media, but the president later signed a decree dismantling the agency, leading to the withdrawal of his nomination as its chief executive.
Bozell is known for his conservative activism and founding the Media Research Centre, which aims to combat perceived liberal bias in the media. He has been a vocal supporter of Trump and claimed that the 2020 election was “stolen” after Trump’s defeat to Joe Biden.
His son, Leo Brent Bozell, was involved in the storming of the US Capitol in January 2021 and was later pardoned by Trump. With Bozell’s nomination, there has been no official response from the South African government.
Following the resignation of the former US ambassador to Pretoria, Reuben Brigety, a new chargé d’affaires has been appointed. However, the process of appointing a permanent ambassador has been delayed.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office has stated that they will take their time in selecting a candidate who can navigate the strained relations between the two countries. Trump’s executive order suspending aid to South Africa and allegations of collaboration with Iran on nuclear arms have further complicated the situation.
