South Africa has summoned the United States ambassador for the third time in nine months, in the latest sign of strained ties between the two countries.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation demarched Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III this week over recent public claims by US President Donald Trump about South Africa, officials said on Tuesday.

Bozell, a former conservative commentator, took up his post in Pretoria in February 2026. Being called in three times in nine months is considered highly unusual between partner nations.

Relations have been under pressure since Trump returned to office, with Washington criticising South Africa’s domestic policies and foreign policy positions. Pretoria has rejected what it calls misinformation about the country.

A demarche is a formal diplomatic protest. South Africa’s move signals deepening frustration with the state of the relationship.

The US State Department has not yet publicly responded. Both sides say dialogue continues through diplomatic channels.