Gayton McKenzie, a politician from the Patriotic Alliance (PA), has sparked controversy with his recent remarks about former US President Donald Trump amid growing tensions between the United States and South Africa. In a video that has circulated widely on social media, McKenzie expressed his admiration for Trump, claiming that his feelings toward the former president had remained unchanged over the years.
McKenzie, who has been open about his support for Trump since his days on the reality show “The Apprentice,” emphasized that differing opinions should not prevent individuals from engaging with one another. “Let me tell you something, before all these things, my friends knew I loved Donald Trump. I love that man. The PA knows,” McKenzie declared, defending his long-standing admiration for the controversial figure.
In a rather personal analogy, McKenzie compared his unwavering support for Trump to a relationship with a partner, acknowledging that, while disagreements are normal, it doesn’t mean they should stop listening to each other and finding common ground. “I want to say that we can differ but, that does not mean that we must not listen to each other,” he said, reflecting on the importance of understanding opposing viewpoints despite personal differences.
The politician’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions, with some criticizing him as opportunistic and labeling him a “charlatan.” One social media user even described McKenzie as an “opportunistic grifter,” questioning his motives behind the public expression of admiration for Trump.
However, McKenzie also offered support for President Cyril Ramaphosa in his stance against Trump during the diplomatic spat between Pretoria and Washington in early February. Speaking on Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh’s SMWX podcast, McKenzie lauded Ramaphosa’s actions, calling them brave and asserting that no president should be bullied. He expressed his belief that South Africa and the United States are both important to each other, with the US being South Africa’s second-largest trading partner.
McKenzie criticized the way the US addressed its dissatisfaction, particularly in the context of the “White people are under siege” narrative, which he vehemently rejected. “That is not true,” McKenzie remarked, further reinforcing his belief that the issues between the two nations should have been handled with greater diplomacy and respect.
While his words about Trump continue to stir debate, McKenzie’s defense of Ramaphosa and his call for more constructive dialogue with the US have added a new layer of complexity to his public persona, leaving many to question his political motivations and allegiances.
