South Africa has pushed back against claims that it’s confiscating land from White farmers, responding to US President Donald Trump’s threat to cut off aid. President Cyril Ramaphosa took to social media on Monday to set the record straight, insisting that no land has been seized.

“Our country operates under the rule of law, justice, and equality,” Ramaphosa said on X. He also expressed readiness to discuss land reform policies with the US administration, highlighting that American aid to South Africa is minimal, primarily focused on HIV/AIDS programs.

Trump reignited the controversy on Sunday, posting on Truth Social that he would halt funding until South Africa fully investigates allegations of land seizures and mistreatment of certain groups. This isn’t the first time Trump has raised these concerns—he made similar claims during his first term in 2018.

The issue stems from South Africa’s complex history of land ownership. During the apartheid era, racist policies forcibly removed Black and non-White South Africans from their land. Since the end of apartheid in 1994, the country has been working to address these injustices through land reform measures. Despite this, Black South Africans—who make up 80% of the population—still own a small fraction of the land, with poverty and unemployment remaining significant challenges.

Earlier this year, Ramaphosa signed a new law allowing the government to expropriate land without compensation in certain cases. However, he clarified that this isn’t about confiscation but ensuring fair access to land in line with the constitution. Experts note that constitutional safeguards remain in place, and any attempts to implement the policy could face legal hurdles.

As tensions simmer, Ramaphosa remains committed to dialogue, emphasizing South Africa’s dedication to equitable and just land reform.