Presidency accuses Trump insider Joel Pollak of spreading divisive and damaging news about SA

JOHANNESBURG - The Office of the Presidency has accused South African-born Trump insider, Joel Pollak, of spreading divisive and damaging news about the country.

Pollak is editor of the conservative news publication, Breitbart, and has been rumoured to be President Donald Trump's pick for US ambassador to South Africa.

He was one of many topics covered earlier on Thursday during a media briefing at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

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When US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that he was expelling South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, he attached an article to his post.

That article was authored by Pollak.

Pollak has also been vocal on a number of issues relating to the Expropriation Act and the renaming of Sandton where the US consulate is located. 

"It is a concern that he seeks to represent the US here. We're not quite sure what his intentions will be because so far, he has engaged in a very divisive and damaging manner towards South Africa and towards South Africa-related issues."

Next Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa will host a credence ceremony for 14 newly appointed ambassadors to South Africa. However, the US is not on the list as President Donald Trump yet to appoint an ambassador to South Africa.