Trump's Unlikely Refugee: How a Myth of White Persecution Reached the U.S. Far Right

A podcast reveals the surprising story behind a U.S. policy shift. When former President Donald Trump moved to grant white South Africans special refugee status, he was endorsing a specific narrative. That narrative claims white South Africans face violent, widespread persecution as revenge for apartheid. This idea is a powerful myth within far-right circles, argues author Eve Fairbanks. The myth suggests Black South Africans are taking revenge for decades of racial oppression. However, the podcast explains that data does not support claims of targeted genocide. Instead, South Africa struggles with high crime rates that affect all citizens. The conclusion is stark: no group truly flourishes in a society plagued by inequality and crime. The real story is more complex than a simple tale of racial revenge. Listen to the full investigation, read by Katherine Fenton, to understand how this narrative crossed oceans and influenced American politics.