Trump ambushes South African president in Oval Office with claims of \’white persecution\’
Edited by Caitlin Wilson and Jacqueline Howard in Washington DC, with Bernd Debusmann Jr at the White House and Khanyisile Ngcobo in Johannesburg
Image source,EPA Image caption,
“Death, death, death…horrible deaths,” Trump says while going through articles about attacks on white farmers
A much-anticipated meeting between South Africa\’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump is over.
The encounter was at times – as expected – fiery. Trump confronted the South African leader with a video over discredited claims of a white genocide in South Africa.
The meeting was also littered with golf chat. Ramaphosa told Trump he brought a 14kg golf book as a gift, while South African golfer Ernie Els told the meeting “two wrongs don\’t make a right”.
Though visibly uncomfortable from the ambush, Ramaphosa remained calm, saying the chants of “shoot the Boer” shown in the video don\’t represent government policy.
And upon leaving the White House, he told reporters the meeting went “very well”.
Ramaphosa downplays Oval Office drama in post-Trump news conferencepublished at 04:11 22 May
Khanyisile NgcoboReporting from Johannesburg
Speaking to reporters back at his Washington hotel, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has downplayed the drama that played out in the White House during his meeting with his US President Donald Trump.
Ramaphosa faced a tough time in the Oval Office after he was ambushed with videos purporting to show the persecution of a white genocide – a claim that has been discredited.
The South African president shared details from the lunch that followed the confrontation, saying his team had a “robust engagement” and a “rather pleasant lunch” with the Trump administration, where issues such as golf and trade and investment were discussed.
“I was rather pleased that there was a rather firm agreement and undertaking that we\’re going to continue engaging,” he told South African media after the briefing.
Ramaphosa insisted that the visit was a “great success”, and that while the South African media “wanted to see drama”, he was “sorry we disappointed you somewhat”.
He also mentioned that he now expects Trump to attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg later this year.
Image source,Reuters Top foreign relations Democrat hits out at Trump after meetingpublished at 04:01 22 May
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democat on the the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, hit out at Donald Trump\’s rhetoric during his meeting at the White House with Cyril Ramaphosa.
“The only beneficiaries of President Trump’s meeting with President Ramaphosa are China and Russia, who are eagerly courting South Africa as Trump’s ham-handed diplomacy pushes the country further away from the United States,” she says in a statement.
“The president’s display in the Oval Office today brings us no closer to furthering this critical partnership and instead takes us decades back both in the rhetoric that was used and in opportunities lost.”
Leadership Under Threat: The History and Lessons of Presidential Security Posted onSeptember 1, 2025 ByadminNo Commentson Leadership Under Threat: The History and Lessons of Presidential Security
On a quiet September day in 2024, news broke across the United States that startled the nation: former President Donald Trump had faced an unexpected security scare. While he remained unharmed, the incident reignited conversations about the unique risks that come with holding the country’s highest office.
Though unsettling, history shows that such moments are not unprecedented. The American presidency has long carried symbolic weight, representing both hope and division. That symbolism, combined with the visibility of the office, has made presidents targets throughout U.S. history.
Understanding why this happens — and what it means for democracy — requires a look at the past, the psychology behind such actions, and the measures put in place to protect national leaders.
A Modern Reminder of an Old Risk
In mid-September 2024, reports emerged that an individual attempted to approach Trump during a round of golf in Florida. Secret Service agents responded quickly, ensuring the situation did not escalate. Just months earlier, another rally in Pennsylvania had also been disrupted by security concerns.
Though both incidents ended without tragedy, they served as reminders of how fragile public life can be. In an age of instant communication and polarized politics, even small incidents are magnified, sparking national debate and reflection.
Why Leaders Become Targets
The presidency is not just a political role. It is a powerful symbol of American values, authority, and policy direction. Presidents stand at the intersection of unity and division. To some, they embody progress and protection; to others, they represent frustration or opposition.
Throughout history, this visibility has drawn the attention of those on the margins — individuals motivated by ideology, anger, or personal struggles. For them, the president becomes the ultimate figure to project grievances onto.
This explains why, across centuries, attempts against presidents have surfaced again and again.
The Numbers Tell a Story
Of the 45 individuals who have served as president, nearly two in five have faced some form of serious threat during their time in office. Four presidents — Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, and John F. Kennedy — lost their lives while serving.
Others, like Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, narrowly escaped serious harm. These events show both the risks of leadership and the resilience of those who hold the office.
Lincoln’s Legacy and the Birth of Security Measures
Abraham Lincoln was the first U.S. president killed in office, in 1865. His death was part of a broader conspiracy, with multiple leaders targeted. The impact of that moment reshaped the nation, not only politically but also in terms of how leaders would be protected going forward.
Shortly after Lincoln’s passing, the federal government began developing more formal systems of security, laying the foundation for what would later become the Secret Service.
Garfield, McKinley, and a Nation in Transition
In 1881, President James Garfield was attacked by Charles Guiteau, a man frustrated over political appointments. Garfield survived for weeks but ultimately passed due to complications, underscoring the limitations of medical care at the time.
Just two decades later, William McKinley was targeted during a public exposition in Buffalo, New York. His passing shocked a nation stepping into the 20th century and reinforced concerns about public accessibility versus safety.
These moments highlighted the vulnerability of leaders in open, public spaces — a theme that remains relevant today.
Kennedy and the Televised Era of Tragedy
The 1963 death of John F. Kennedy became one of the most defining moments of the 20th century. Broadcast across television screens worldwide, it left a lasting cultural scar. Millions of Americans can recall exactly where they were when they heard the news.
Kennedy’s passing changed how the public viewed presidential security, as well as how leaders approached public appearances in the modern media era.
Gerald Ford’s Close Calls
In 1975, Gerald Ford survived two separate attempts in California within a matter of weeks. Both were carried out by women — an unusual detail in the history of presidential threats.
In one case, the weapon failed to fire. In the other, a bystander intervened, preventing tragedy. These incidents underscored how quickly ordinary citizens can become part of history and how fragile moments of public exposure can be.
Ronald Reagan’s Survival and Humor
In 1981, Ronald Reagan was struck by a bullet outside a Washington hotel. He survived due to quick medical care and resilience. Famously, his humor during recovery — joking with his doctors and reassuring the nation — reinforced his popularity.
Reagan’s experience became a modern example of both the dangers leaders face and the human courage that can follow.
Modern-Day Threats
The recent incidents involving Trump highlight how, even with modern technology, risks remain. Social media has added complexity, with information spreading in real time and influencing public perception instantly.
Security teams must adapt constantly, balancing the need for leaders to remain accessible with the responsibility to keep them safe.
Understanding Motives
Looking across history, motives behind such threats are rarely simple. Some stem from political anger, others from ideology, and still others from personal struggles or delusions. This variety makes prediction difficult and prevention complex.
While patterns exist — such as most assailants being male and acting alone — the personal stories behind these acts vary widely.
The Role of the Secret Service
Created after Lincoln’s passing, the U.S. Secret Service has grown into one of the most advanced protective organizations in the world. Agents train extensively in crowd monitoring, emergency response, and counter-threat tactics.
Even so, complete protection is impossible. Every rally, public event, or simple outing carries risk. The challenge lies in balancing openness with safety.
Symbolism and Democracy
Attempts against presidents are not just about the individuals themselves. They represent an attack on what the office symbolizes: leadership, stability, and democratic continuity.
For extremists, targeting a leader may feel like a political act. For society, however, these incidents are stark reminders of both the fragility and resilience of democracy.
What History Teaches
From more than two centuries of experience, a few lessons stand out:
Vulnerability is real — no system can offer perfect protection.
Motives are varied — ideology, disillusionment, and personal struggles all play roles.
Resilience follows tragedy — institutions and citizens have repeatedly shown strength in recovery.
Prevention requires vigilance — ongoing investment in security, education, and public awareness is essential.
The Balance Between Fear and Hope
While troubling, these incidents also highlight something remarkable: democracy continues, even under pressure. Leaders have been lost, but institutions have endured. Attempts have been made, but resilience has prevailed.
The American story, in this regard, is not only one of tragedy but also of perseverance.
Conclusion: A Fragile Yet Enduring System
From Lincoln’s death in the 19th century to Trump’s recent near misses, history reveals both the risks of leadership and the strength of democratic resilience.
The presidency is one of the most visible positions in the world, and with that visibility comes danger. Yet it also comes with an opportunity — to show that even in moments of vulnerability, nations can remain strong.
As America reflects on the latest events, one truth emerges: while no leader is invulnerable, the ideals they represent — unity, resilience, and democracy — endure.
Firefighter goes to respond to incident and discovers that one of the victims is his wife, 
Portsmouth, VA — For firefighter Mark Reynolds, every emergency call is a challenge, testing his skill, focus, and resolve. But nothing could have prepared him for a personal surprise that would change his perspective on life and work.
It was a typical Thursday evening when the alarm sounded at Station 17. A multi-vehicle incident had been reported on the interstate. Reynolds, a 12-year veteran of the department, suited up promptly, unaware that this call would become one of the most memorable of his career.
The Unexpected MomentAs Engine 17 arrived at the scene, Reynolds and his team
immediately went to work. They assessed the situation, coordinated traffic, and provided support to everyone involved. Cars had collided, and a few drivers were shaken but unharmed. The firefighters moved quickly, ensuring safety and stability.
Then, as Reynolds approached one of the vehicles to offer assistance, he noticed a familiar pendant swinging gently from the rearview mirror—a silver heart necklace he had given his wife, Lisa, for their anniversary.
“I remember pausing for a moment,” Reynolds later shared. “I couldn’t believe my eyes. I told myself, It can’t be her. But there it was, the necklace I had chosen with love.”
Reynolds’ heart swelled with concern, but also relief. He quickly ensured that everyone was safe, providing calm reassurance and guidance. The incident became a moment of reflection for him, highlighting the importance of loved ones and the fragile, unpredictable nature of life.
A Reminder of GratitudeAfter the situation was stabilized, Reynolds called Lisa to make sure she was okay. She was shaken but safe. The experience left an impression not only on him, but on the entire department, emphasizing the balance between duty and family, and the unexpected ways life reminds us of what truly matters.
“It was a moment I’ll never forget,” Reynolds said. “It made me appreciate my family, my community, and the work we do every day. Life can surprise you, and sometimes it does in the most personal ways.”