On May 21, 2025, President Donald Trump faced political and diplomatic challenges, as his approval rating dipped and his Oval Office meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sparked controversy.
Trump’s Approval Rating Goes Negative
A new Republican-leaning poll showed Trump’s approval rating at 48%, with 50% disapproving of his performance. This marked a decline from early May, when his approval stood at 52%. The dip followed concerns over his tariff policies, which had previously triggered a temporary stock market crash.
Oval Office Tensions with South Africa
Trump’s meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa took an unexpected turn when he played a video alleging a violent campaign against white South African farmers. The footage, which included clips of opposition leader Julius Malema singing the controversial “Kill the Boer” song, implied a racial genocide against white Afrikaners. Ramaphosa, visibly taken aback, denied the claims and insisted that South Africa’s land expropriation law was designed to address historical injustices.
Pentagon Accepts Qatari Jet for Trump
The Pentagon confirmed that it had accepted a luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatar to be used as Air Force One. The $400 million aircraft, previously owned by the Qatari royal family, will undergo extensive renovations to serve as the president’s flying headquarters. The move sparked ethical concerns, with Senate Democrats calling for an investigation into whether the gift violated constitutional limitations on accepting foreign assets.
May 21, 2025, underscored the complexities of Trump’s leadership, blending political scrutiny, diplomatic tensions, and ethical debates. It highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts to navigate domestic and global challenges.