Trump Snubs G20 Summit in South Africa, Questions South African’s Country’s Membership
US President Donald Trump has announced that he will not attend the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, slated for November 22-23. Speaking at the American Business Forum in Miami, Trump expressed his disapproval of South Africa’s membership in the G20, stating, “South Africa shouldn’t even be in the G’s anymore because what’s happened there is bad.”
Trump’s decision comes amid heightened tensions between the US and South Africa, with Trump accusing Pretoria of confiscating land and treating certain groups poorly. He previously issued an executive order in February directing federal agencies to facilitate the resettlement of white South African Afrikaners, described as “victims of unjust racial discrimination,” and to cut US aid to South Africa.
The South African government has rejected Trump’s claims, calling them “factually inaccurate.” The G20 summit, which will be held under South Africa’s rotating presidency, marks the first time the meeting of G20 leaders will be held on African soil. The US will take over the G20 presidency from South Africa on December 1, 2025.
Trump’s absence at the summit may be felt, as he has previously expressed interest in hosting the 2026 G20 Summit at his golf club near Miami. Vice President JD Vance is expected to represent the US at the summit in Trump’s place
