President Donald Trump, now serving his second term, has doubled down on his “America First” doctrine, reshaping the US‘s approach to global engagements.
Donald Trump’s foreign policy in his second term
His foreign policy is rooted in prioritising American interests and aligning all US foreign aid with his administration’s goals.
This departure from traditional US diplomacy places heightened scrutiny on relationships with countries that maintain ties with US adversaries or hold policy positions contrary to American priorities.
Countries like South Africa, which is part of the BRICS bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and maintains bilateral relations with Russia and China, may face increased challenges.
South Africa’s support for Palestine in the recent Gaza conflict further distances its stance from Trump’s pro-Israel policy, raising questions about how this dynamic might influence US-South Africa relations under the new executive order.
While South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed optimism in his congratulatory message to Trump, stating a desire to strengthen bilateral ties, the tangible impact of these sentiments remains uncertain given Trump’s history of prioritising transactional diplomacy.
The executive order that could affect South Africa
On Monday, 20 January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order mandating a 90-day pause on all US foreign aid disbursements.
The order requires a thorough review of every foreign assistance program to ensure alignment with US foreign policy. This review aims to determine whether programs will continue, be modified, or cease altogether.
The executive order explicitly states that US foreign aid must serve American interests and values.
This shift puts longstanding programs like the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a major source of HIV/AIDS funding for South Africa, under scrutiny.
While PEPFAR’s impact aligns with US global health goals, South Africa’s BRICS affiliation and growing ties with China and Russia could influence how aid programs are assessed.
South Africa’s broader trade and political relationships could also be impacted.
Trump has previously criticised BRICS nations, particularly China, for their economic practices.
Additionally, his administration’s strong support for Israel contrasts with South Africa’s pro-Palestinian stance, potentially placing bilateral relations under strain.
However, the executive order allows waivers for specific programs deemed critical to US interests.
This clause could protect initiatives like PEPFAR, given its significance in global health and the US’s leadership in combating HIV/AIDS.
Additionally, trade agreements under frameworks like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) may remain unaffected if they are seen as benefiting US economic interests.
The executive order marks a significant shift in US foreign aid policy, with potential ramifications for South Africa.
As US aid programs undergo reviews, South Africa’s alignment with BRICS and support for Palestine may factor into decisions about future assistance.
While critical health and trade programs could be spared, the broader relationship between the two nations might face challenges as Trump’s administration reevaluates its global engagements.