Trump Administration Expels South Africa’s Ambassador to the U.S.

President Trump’s administration has officially expelled South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, a spokesman for the South African president said on Saturday, calling the decision “regrettable.”

The ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, received an expulsion letter from the State Department, said Vincent Magwenya, the spokesman for President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa. The move comes during a low point in the relationship between the two countries, with Mr. Trump having accused Mr. Ramaphosa’s government of discriminating against South Africa’s white minority and siding with one of America’s enemies, Iran.

A statement from Mr. Ramaphosa’s office called for “the established diplomatic decorum” to be maintained.

“South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America,” the statement said.

The first indication of Mr. Rasool’s fate came as Secretary of State Marco Rubio flew back from the Group of 7 allies meeting in Canada on Friday.

Mr. Rubio wrote on social media that South Africa’s ambassador was a “race-baiting politician who hates America” and Mr. Trump. He added, “We have nothing to discuss with him and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA.” That designation requires South Africa to end Mr. Rasool’s role as ambassador.