Trump Nominates Conservative Activist Leo Brent Bozell III as US Ambassador to South Africa

US President Donald Trump has nominated Leo Brent Bozell III, a conservative media critic and activist, as the next US ambassador to South Africa.

The nomination was published on March 25, 2025, on the US Congress website and awaits Senate confirmation.

Bozell is set to replace Reuben Brigety, who resigned in January.

Who Is Leo Brent Bozell III?

Bozell, from Virginia, holds a history degree from the University of Dallas and has deep roots in conservative politics.

Key Background Details:

• Founder of the Media Research Center, a conservative watchdog that critiques liberal media bias.

• Previously worked with the National Conservative Political Action Committee to support right-wing candidates.

• Longtime participant in Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) events.

• Author of “Unmasked: Big Media’s War on Trump”, a book defending Trump against alleged media attacks.

• Son of conservative activists L. Brent Bozell Jr. and Patricia Buckley Bozell and nephew of William F. Buckley Jr., a key figure in the modern conservative movement.

Bozell’s nomination aligns with Trump’s broader efforts to reshape US diplomacy by appointing strong ideological allies to key positions.

A Nomination Amid Strained US-South Africa Relations

Bozell’s appointment comes at a time of increasing diplomatic tensions between the US and South Africa.

The Trump administration has taken a hard stance against South Africa over its foreign policy, economic policies, and diplomatic positions.

Key Flashpoints in US-SA Tensions:

Expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador:

• Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s ambassador to the US, was expelled after accusing Trump of leading a global white supremacist movement.

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded, calling Rasool a “race-baiting politician who hates America.”

US Aid Suspension to South Africa:

• Trump recently paused most US foreign aid to South Africa, citing “egregious actions” by its government.

• The State Department suspended billions of dollars in assistance, with minimal exceptions.

South Africa’s Israel Policy:

• The US is deeply critical of South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

• Bozell, like Trump, is a staunch Israel supporter.

US Concerns Over South Africa’s Global Alliances:

• The US has repeatedly criticized South Africa’s growing ties with Russia, China, and Iran.

• The White House has accused South Africa of implementing “discriminatory policies” affecting landowners and businesses.

Ramaphosa Responds to US Actions

President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the rising tensions, stating:

“We have expressed concern about the mischaracterization of the situation in our country and certain of our laws and our foreign policy positions.”

He added that South Africa would continue to engage with the US to restore diplomatic ties.

What Bozell’s Appointment Could Mean for US-South Africa Relations

If confirmed, Bozell is expected to:

• Strengthen US criticism of South Africa’s foreign policy, particularly on Israel and BRICS relations.

• Push for pro-business policies aligning with Trump’s economic agenda.

• Maintain a confrontational stance on issues like land reform, affirmative action, and economic policy.

Bozell’s nomination signals that Trump’s second term foreign policy will be firmly conservative, with little room for compromise on key issues.

{Source BusinessTech}

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