As the new ambassador, Bozell is stepping into a tumultuous period characterized by recent diplomatic tensions and accusations of bias against the South African government's policies.
Trump Administration Nominates Controversial Media Figure as Ambassador to South Africa
Trump Administration Nominates Controversial Media Figure as Ambassador to South Africa
President Trump proposes L. Brent Bozell III, a conservative media critic, for ambassadorship amid strained U.S.-South Africa relations.
March 25, 2025, 12:36 p.m. ET
The Trump administration is set to nominate L. Brent Bozell III, a prominent conservative media commentator and staunch supporter of Israel, as the next U.S. ambassador to South Africa, according to sources familiar with the situation. The nomination comes at a challenging time for U.S.-South African relations, which have nosedived sharply in recent months.
Previously, Bozell was nominated to head the U.S. global media agency, but that nomination was retracted just this Monday, as noted on the Congressional website. His name was submitted to the Senate Tuesday along with others for various ambassadorial positions, as reported by officials requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity surrounding the nominations. The State Department has opted not to comment on the matter.
If confirmed, Bozell would take on his new role amid notable geopolitical friction. The Trump administration's recent expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., following the envoy's criticism of President Trump, has further complicated diplomatic ties. U.S. officials have expressed discontent over South Africa's alliances, particularly its support of Iran and accusations of anti-Israel rhetoric which includes pursuing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
There is currently no clear answer regarding Bozell's connections to South Africa. Known for his role as the founder and president of the Media Research Center, Bozell has actively campaigned against perceived liberal biases in the media. Having shifted his stance to support Trump following earlier criticisms, he is now considered a vocal advocate of the administration's policies. His son, Leo Brent Bozell IV, was involved in the January 6 Capitol riots and received a pardon from Trump.
Additionally, Bozell has championed initiatives supportive of Israel. In the aftermath of the Hamas attacks in October 2023, he made an urgent funding appeal for Israel, citing the dire situation the country faced at the time. The Trump administration's relations with South Africa have been marred by accusations of discrimination against the minority white population, leading to Trump's recent executive order that halts U.S. aid to the country while providing refugee status for Afrikaners, a historically privileged group.
Elon Musk, who hails from South Africa, has echoed sentiments critical of the South African government via social media, perpetuating narratives of violence against white farmers and claiming restrictions on his business operations due to ownership regulations. South African officials have rebuffed these claims, labeling them as unfounded and misrepresentative of the current socio-political climate.
As the nominated ambassador, Bozell's confirmation will come under scrutiny, as many anticipate how U.S. foreign policy might evolve in light of the current tensions with South Africa.
The Trump administration is set to nominate L. Brent Bozell III, a prominent conservative media commentator and staunch supporter of Israel, as the next U.S. ambassador to South Africa, according to sources familiar with the situation. The nomination comes at a challenging time for U.S.-South African relations, which have nosedived sharply in recent months.
Previously, Bozell was nominated to head the U.S. global media agency, but that nomination was retracted just this Monday, as noted on the Congressional website. His name was submitted to the Senate Tuesday along with others for various ambassadorial positions, as reported by officials requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity surrounding the nominations. The State Department has opted not to comment on the matter.
If confirmed, Bozell would take on his new role amid notable geopolitical friction. The Trump administration's recent expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., following the envoy's criticism of President Trump, has further complicated diplomatic ties. U.S. officials have expressed discontent over South Africa's alliances, particularly its support of Iran and accusations of anti-Israel rhetoric which includes pursuing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
There is currently no clear answer regarding Bozell's connections to South Africa. Known for his role as the founder and president of the Media Research Center, Bozell has actively campaigned against perceived liberal biases in the media. Having shifted his stance to support Trump following earlier criticisms, he is now considered a vocal advocate of the administration's policies. His son, Leo Brent Bozell IV, was involved in the January 6 Capitol riots and received a pardon from Trump.
Additionally, Bozell has championed initiatives supportive of Israel. In the aftermath of the Hamas attacks in October 2023, he made an urgent funding appeal for Israel, citing the dire situation the country faced at the time. The Trump administration's relations with South Africa have been marred by accusations of discrimination against the minority white population, leading to Trump's recent executive order that halts U.S. aid to the country while providing refugee status for Afrikaners, a historically privileged group.
Elon Musk, who hails from South Africa, has echoed sentiments critical of the South African government via social media, perpetuating narratives of violence against white farmers and claiming restrictions on his business operations due to ownership regulations. South African officials have rebuffed these claims, labeling them as unfounded and misrepresentative of the current socio-political climate.
As the nominated ambassador, Bozell's confirmation will come under scrutiny, as many anticipate how U.S. foreign policy might evolve in light of the current tensions with South Africa.
