SAFTU describes Rasool's expulsion as part of a series of hostile actions taken by the Trump administration

CAPE TOWN - The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has described the United States' decision to expel South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool as part of a series of hostile actions taken by the Trump administration.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Rasool's status as 'Persona non grata' on the social media platform x.

Rubio’s decision follows Rasool's participation in a discussion at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection, where he shared his views on America's current approach to foreign policy.

SAFTU believes that the US's decision to expel Ambassador Rasool is a blatant attack on South Africa’s sovereignty.

The federation says Rubio’s action is the latest display of diplomatic hostility from the US government.

Earlier this year, the United States suspended its President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) funding to South Africa, and has openly criticised the country’s Land Expropriation Act.

Washington has also offered refugee status to Afrikaners who are allegedly being persecuted.

In response, SAFTU has called for the South African government to summon the US Ambassador and reassess the country's trade relations with the US.

The federation has also urged government to strengthen its alliances with BRICS to counter Western imperialism.