Leo Brent Bozell III, the nominee selected by US President Donald Trump to serve as ambassador to South Africa, has arrived in Pretoria to assume his duties at a time of continued tension between the two governments.
Bozell III was sworn in as ambassador-designate in January 2026. The US Embassy confirmed his arrival, stating that he has taken up his post and will formally present his credentials to President Cyril Ramaphosa in accordance with diplomatic protocol.
His appointment comes against a backdrop of deteriorating relations between Washington and Pretoria. The strain intensified after President Trump signed an executive order suspending US assistance to South Africa and introduced a refugee initiative aimed at Afrikaners. Diplomatic ties were further affected in March 2025 when South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, was declared persona non grata and expelled following remarks critical of the Trump administration. Pretoria has not appointed a successor since.
During his Senate confirmation hearing in October last year, Bozell III said he would raise US concerns regarding what he described as South Africa’s shift away from non-alignment toward closer engagement with countries such as Russia, China and Iran. He also referenced issues related to property rights, public safety, and governance, and expressed support for opposition to expropriation of private property without compensation.
Bozell III stated that he intends to promote fair trade practices and advocate for American business interests while approaching his assignment with respect for the South African people.
Source: The Citizen Picture: Kris Connor / Getty Images
