South Africa braces for Trump showdown – but it may be too late to save Pepfar

South Africa faces growing pressure as strained U.S.-South African ties deepen over HIV/AIDS funding and political relations, with aid stops and no sign of aid resuming following President Trump's administration. South African officials argue that U.S. aid agencies like Pepfar and USAid are unlikely to return, and the meetings won't address health issues or seek new funding, instead focusing on trade deals. However, concerns have arisen that the country may tread a precarious path in engaging with U.S. leaders amid ongoing tensions sparked by accusations of human rights abuses and U.S.-South African relations being treated like those between Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.