A bombshell revelation has emerged regarding a Facebook account shared by former President Donald Trump with the South African president, purportedly as “evidence” of a supposed genocide against white South Africans. The account, initially presented as a credible source, has been exposed as belonging to an extremist group notorious for posting racially inflammatory content and promoting fringe conspiracy theories, including the belief that the Earth is flat. This discovery has sparked outrage and intensified scrutiny of Trump’s information-sharing practices.
The controversy began when Trump, during a private correspondence with South Africa’s president, referenced the Facebook account to support claims of systemic violence against white farmers. The account’s posts, filled with graphic imagery and alarming narratives, were cited to bolster arguments of a targeted “genocide.” However, investigations by independent fact-checkers and cybersecurity experts quickly unraveled the account’s true nature. Far from being a reliable source, it was linked to a network of extremist profiles known for spreading hate speech, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and baseless conspiracies. Among its most bizarre claims was the assertion that the Earth is a flat disc, a theory widely debunked by science.
Critics have seized on the revelation to question Trump’s judgment and the credibility of his sources. “This is a reckless dissemination of dangerous misinformation,” said Dr. Sarah Mbeki, a Johannesburg-based political analyst. “Using an extremist account to influence international relations is not only irresponsible but risks inflaming tensions in an already polarized region.” South Africa, with its complex history of racial division, has long grappled with land reform debates, and false narratives about “white genocide” have been repeatedly debunked by data showing no evidence of systematic targeting.
The fallout has reverberated across social media, particularly on X, where users are divided. Some defend Trump, arguing he was highlighting legitimate concerns about farm attacks, while others condemn the move as a dangerous endorsement of hate groups. The account’s content, including racial slurs and doctored images, has been flagged by Facebook for violating community standards, though it remains active, fueling further debate about platform moderation.
South African officials have downplayed the incident, with a government spokesperson stating, “We engage with facts, not social media propaganda.” However, the episode has strained diplomatic channels, with calls for Trump to clarify his sources. Political observers warn that such actions could undermine trust in international partnerships, especially on sensitive issues like land rights.
The incident also raises broader questions about the spread of misinformation in global politics. Experts urge leaders to verify sources before amplifying them, particularly when they risk escalating racial or cultural tensions. As the story unfolds, attention remains on how Trump and his team will respond to the backlash and whether this will prompt stricter scrutiny of online extremist networks.
