Former U.S. President Donald Trump sparked fresh controversy on Tuesday after making bold claims about Africa during a campaign-style economic speech in Pennsylvania. Trump said he personally brought an end to the conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, adding that leaders from both countries asked the United States to step in and take control of their mineral resources.
“I stopped the war between the Congo and Rwanda,” Trump told the crowd. “They said, ‘Please, please, we want you to come and take our minerals.’ And we will,” he said on December 9, 2025, prompting loud reactions from supporters in attendance.
The statement quickly spread online, triggering heated debate. Critics accused Trump of exaggerating U.S. influence in the region and oversimplifying a complex conflict, while his supporters applauded the remark as proof of his tough, deal-driven approach to foreign policy.
Experts warned that Trump’s language, especially his reference to “taking” minerals, could reignite painful memories in Central Africa, a region long affected by foreign exploitation of its vast natural resources. Analysts also stressed that no official announcement has been made by the U.S. government regarding new mineral agreements with either Congo or Rwanda.
Trump’s address was largely meant to center on domestic issues such as inflation, trade, and American manufacturing. However, his comments about Africa quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the speech, overshadowing much of his economic message.
Observers noted that it remains unclear whether Trump’s remarks were based on formal diplomatic discussions, private conversations with African leaders, or simply campaign rhetoric aimed at energizing his base. Neither the Congolese nor Rwandan governments have publicly responded to the claim.
As reactions continue to pour in, Trump’s comments have once again placed Africa at the center of a heated global political conversation.
