US President Donald Trump has hinted that he may not attend the G20 leaders’ summit in South Africa this November, citing continued dissatisfaction with the country’s domestic and international policies.
“I think maybe I’ll send somebody else because I’ve had a lot of problems with South Africa. They have some very bad policies,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday.
The summit, scheduled to take place under South Africa’s G20 presidency, is expected to be a key global diplomatic event.
However, Trump’s comments add fuel to already tense US-South Africa relations.
Background to the strain
Trump’s criticism comes on the back of several contentious issues:
- South Africa’s land reform policies: Trump has previously accused South Africa of land seizures and “white genocide,” though these claims have been widely discredited.
- International litigation: The US has opposed South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where Pretoria accused Israel of genocide over its actions in Gaza.
- Economic friction: In February, Trump signed an executive order slashing US financial aid to South Africa, criticising the country’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws as discriminatory.
- Diplomatic boycotts: Earlier this year, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio boycotted a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting hosted in South Africa.
The ongoing Gaza conflict – which has left tens of thousands dead, displaced millions, and led to accusations of war crimes – has further divided Washington and Pretoria.
South Africa continues to press its genocide case against Israel, a close US ally.
Cyril Ramaphosa responds
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed Trump’s accusations, defending the country’s land and economic policies as legitimate redress of historical injustices.
He has urged Trump to attend the G20 summit, framing it as an opportunity for dialogue and diplomacy.
Looking ahead
If Trump follows through on skipping the summit, it would mark a major diplomatic snub, especially given South Africa’s role as the current G20 chair.
It remains to be seen who the US might send in his place.
Analysts suggest Trump’s decision could further deepen geopolitical divisions within the G20 and complicate discussions on global cooperation – particularly on issues of trade, security, and climate change.
Percentage chance Donald Trump attends this year’s G20 summit in South Africa?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
