France, March 15 -- The US decision to expel South Africa's ambassador was "regrettable," the office of the South African president said Saturday, after Washington's top diplomat accused the envoy of hating America and President Donald Trump.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that South Africa's ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, was "no longer welcome" in the United States.

Rasool is "a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @POTUS," Rubio posted on X, referring to Trump by his White House X account handle.

"We have nothing to discuss with him and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA."

South Africa's presidency said in a statement it had "noted the regrettable expulsion" and urged "all relevant and impacted stakeholde...