In a move that has sparked diplomatic ripples across continents, US President Donald Trump announced on Friday (November 7, 2025) that no American government official would attend the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) summit in South Africa, citing alleged human rights abuses against the country’s white Afrikaner minority.
The high-profile summit, scheduled for later this month in Johannesburg, was expected to see participation from leaders of the world’s largest economies.
What did Trump say about G20 summit in South Africa?
However, Trump’s abrupt decision to boycott the event has placed Washington at odds with Pretoria and raised questions about the future of US engagement with multilateral forums under his administration.
“It is a total disgrace that the G20 will be held in South Africa,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform. “Afrikaners are being killed and slaughtered, and their land and farms are being illegally confiscated. No US government official will attend as long as these human rights abuses continue.”
How did Pretoria react to Trump’s comments?
The South African government swiftly dismissed the allegations. Officials have consistently maintained that the country’s land reform policies are aimed at correcting historical injustices and that claims of widespread violence against white farmers are exaggerated.
“South Africa rejects with contempt any notion that it persecutes minorities,” a senior government official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment publicly.
What is the context to Trump’s remarks on G20?
Trump’s remarks come amid growing tension between Washington and Pretoria over a series of policy disputes. The US has criticised South Africa’s legal case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, while South Africa has expressed concern over Washington’s perceived bias in Middle East affairs.
Vice President JD Vance, who had been slated to lead the US delegation to the November 22–23 summit, will also skip the event following Trump’s directive, according to a media report.
The boycott follows a pattern of deteriorating diplomatic engagement between the two nations. Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to attend a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in South Africa.
The country currently holds the G20 presidency from December 2024 to November 2025, after which the United States will assume leadership of the grouping.
What are Trump’s G20 plans during US presidency?
Trump, who has long been vocal about his “America First” foreign policy, also announced his intention to host the 2026 G20 summit in Miami, Florida. “I look forward to hosting the 2026 G20 in Miami,” he posted, underscoring his effort to steer major international events back to US soil.
Last month, Trump drew criticism after setting the lowest refugee admissions cap in US history, while suggesting that the focus would be on admitting white Afrikaners. Analysts have warned that this marks a stark shift in US immigration priorities and risks inflaming racial tensions both at home and abroad.
As the geopolitical fallout unfolds, observers say Trump’s decision could further strain ties with African nations and weaken Washington’s standing in the Global South, an increasingly vital arena in today’s multipolar world.