Trump May Skip G20 Summit in South Africa, Slams Nation’s Policies

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he may skip the G20 summit in South Africa this November, citing “very bad policies” of the host country. The move could further strain already tense U.S.–South Africa relations.

Key Takeaways:

• Trump’s Statement:
  
  
  “Maybe I’ll send somebody else because I’ve had a lot of problems with South Africa,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
  
  
• What’s Bothering Trump?
  
  • Disapproval of South Africa’s land reform policies
    
  • Criticism of South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice
    
  • Opposition to Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies aimed at reducing racial inequalities
    
• U.S. Action So Far:
  
  • In February, Trump signed an executive order cutting U.S. financial aid to South Africa.
    
  • In May, he accused South Africa of land seizures and “white genocide” during a tense meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
    
• Previous Boycotts:
  
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio boycotted a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in South Africa earlier this year.
    
  • The U.S. continues to express displeasure over South Africa’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
    
• Diplomatic Tension:
  
  • South Africa has rejected U.S. claims about arbitrary land confiscation.
    
  • Ramaphosa has invited Trump to attend the summit, but relations remain cold.
    
• Why It Matters:
  
  • South Africa holds the G20 presidency (Dec 2024–Nov 2025).
    
  • Trump’s absence could signal growing geopolitical rifts, particularly between Western allies and Global South nations asserting independent foreign policies.
    

Bottom Line: Trump’s potential G20 no-show reflects not just personal or political disagreements, but broader shifts in global alliances and ideologies.