US President Donald Trump has sparked fresh diplomatic controversy after announcing that he will not attend the G20 Summit scheduled for 22–23 November in Johannesburg, arguing that South Africa should be removed from the group entirely.
Speaking at the American Business Forum in Miami, Trump said:
“South Africa shouldn’t even be in the G’s anymore, because what’s happened there is bad. I’m not going … I’m not going to represent our country there. It shouldn’t be there.”
The remarks come as global leaders prepare to gather in Johannesburg for the first-ever G20 Summit hosted by South Africa, a major milestone for the continent. Trump’s decision to boycott the meeting marks a sharp break from tradition, as US presidents typically attend G20 summits regardless of host nation politics.
Trump’s Criticism of South Africa
Trump has repeatedly accused South Africa of land confiscation and mistreatment of certain racial groups, calling the country “a massive human rights violation.”
“How could we be expected to go to South Africa for the very important G20 meeting when land confiscation and genocide are the primary topics of conversation?” Trump said earlier in April.
In February 2025, Trump signed Executive Order 14204, instructing federal agencies to facilitate the resettlement of white South African Afrikaners in the United States — describing them as “victims of unjust racial discrimination.” The same order also cut US aid to South Africa, citing alleged government abuses.
These statements echo rhetoric Trump first used during his earlier presidency, when he frequently criticised South Africa’s land reform policies and crime rates, claiming they discriminated against white farmers.
Pretoria Pushes Back
The South African government has strongly rejected Trump’s claims, describing them as “factually inaccurate and racially inflammatory.”
In a statement from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), officials said:
“President Trump’s remarks rest on a premise that is factually inaccurate. South Africa remains a democratic, rule-of-law nation, and land reform is being conducted through constitutional processes.”
DIRCO also reaffirmed that South Africa continues to enjoy strong relations with other G20 partners, and preparations for the Johannesburg summit are proceeding as planned.
Government sources have expressed concern that Trump’s comments could strain bilateral relations, but said South Africa remains committed to multilateral cooperation and diplomacy.
Global Reaction
Trump’s boycott has raised eyebrows internationally, with diplomats warning that his stance could undermine the cohesion of the G20 at a time of mounting global tensions. Analysts note that Trump’s rhetoric plays well with his domestic political base but risks isolating the US on key global issues, including trade, climate change, and international development.
While some conservative commentators in the US praised Trump for taking a “principled stand,” others criticised the move as undermining America’s leadership role in global affairs.
Despite the controversy, world leaders — including from China, India, Brazil, and the European Union — are expected to attend the Johannesburg summit, where discussions will focus on energy transition, debt relief, and digital inclusion.
