Fact-check: Did Trump Order the Sale of African Leaders’ Properties and Deportation of Their Children?
BY: Mustapha Lawal
CLAIM:
A viral Facebook post claims that U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the sale of properties owned by African leaders and the deportation of their children from the United States.
VERDICT:
False!There is no evidence to support this claim, and no official statement or policy from the Trump administration backs this assertion.
FULL TEXT
A viral claim circulating on Facebook alleges that former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an order to confiscate properties belonging to African leaders in the United States and deport their children.
A Facebook user, Ray Captain, on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, claimed Trump had ordered the sale of properties owned by African politicians in the state. He stated that President Trump has called for the deportation of their children studying in the US.
The post states, “President Donald Trump has ordered the sale of all private jets and luxury homes owned by African politicians in the United States. He also wants to send their children, who are studying in the U.S., back to their home countries.”
“Your children must attend schools in your own country and contribute to its growth,” the claimant stated.
Many users debated the post’s credibility in the comment section, while others believed it and commended the president’s effort.
“I wish it was true. This would be the best decision ever made. They shouldn’t also be allowed to go for treatment in the US, and I support (them),” Aboz AB, a Facebook user, wrote.
Another user, Nyar Wema, asserted, “Is this really true? Just wish it could be true.”
In contrast, Eden Noddy said, “Now, this is the leader we need.”
The post, which has been widely shared, suggests that Trump is taking these measures due to alleged corruption by African politicians who invest stolen wealth abroad. Given the sensitivity of the claim, FactCheckAfrica investigated its accuracy.
VERIFICATION:
FactCheckAfrica conducted a thorough search of official U.S. government announcements, executive orders, and policy statements and found no evidence that Trump issued any such directive.
There is no record from the U.S. State Department, Department of Homeland Security, or any credible media outlet confirming that African leaders’ assets are being seized or their children deported under Trump’s orders.
The U.S. government has established legal processes for asset forfeiture and immigration enforcement, and such sweeping actions would require legal backing and public notification.
Additionally, past U.S. foreign policies under Trump did not include mass deportation orders targeted specifically at African leaders’ children or blanket property seizures. The spread of such misinformation could be aimed at fueling distrust and panic.
CONCLUSION:
The claim that Trump ordered the sale of African leaders’ properties and the deportation of their children is false. There is no official record, credible news report, or policy directive supporting this allegation.
