Here’s The Story Behind That Trump Tweet On South Africa — And Why It Sparked Outrage

President Trump addresses the Medal of Honor ceremony for Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Chapman in the White House on Wednesday. Hours later, he tweeted about white farmers in South Africa — much to the bemusement and indignation of South African leaders

Alex Brandon / AP

Updated at 6 a.m. ET Friday

For much of Wednesday, the topics the president mentioned on Twitter were familiar ones. There were the tweets about former associates Michael Cohen, who pleaded guilty to eight counts in federal court, and Paul Manafort, who was convicted of eight. There were the harsh words for Democrats and the claim he is the subject of a “witch hunt.”

But then President Trump commented on something unexpected.