By Humeyra Pamuk and Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo WASHINGTON/JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -The U.S. has is expelling South Africa's ambassador, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, calling the envoy a "race-baiting politician" who hates President Donald Trump.

The United States expelled South Africa's ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, after Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused him of being hostile to both America and President TrumpThis action followed growing tensions over South Africa’s land reform policies and its genocide case against IsraelReacting,

The development comes amid slumped ties since Donald Trump cut US financial aid to South Africa, citing disapproval of its land policy and its genocide case against Washington's ally Israel at the International Court of Justice.