Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has publicly proclaimed his “love” for Donald Trump while simultaneously supporting President Cyril Ramaphosa’s stance in South Africa’s diplomatic tensions with Washington.

“My friends have always known I loved Donald Trump. I love that man,” McKenzie declared in a widely circulated social media video, defending his long-standing support for the former US president.

The PA leader argued that political disagreements should not prevent open dialogue, comparing his support for Trump to personal relationships that withstand differences of opinion.

McKenzie’s comments came as he also backed President Ramaphosa’s firm response to Washington in early February. Speaking on Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh’s SMWX podcast, he praised the president’s diplomatic stance while emphasizing the importance of US-South African relations.

“For me, it was brave what he said,” McKenzie noted of Ramaphosa’s position, while adding that both nations need each other. “America needs South Africa, and South Africa needs America. It’s our second-biggest trading partner.”

He specifically criticized Washington’s approach to South African issues, stating “Where I think America went wrong was believing the claim that ‘white people are under siege’ in South Africa—that is not true.”

The PA leader’s comments sparked divided reactions on social media, with critics dismissing him as “an opportunistic grifter.”