In a significant diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he will not attend the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) leaders’ summit set to take place in South Africa this November. Instead, he will delegate the responsibility to Vice President JD Vance, who is eager to represent the United States at the global gathering.
During an impromptu interaction with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump stated, “I won’t be going, JD will be going. Great vice president, and he looks forward to it.” This decision underscores a strategic shift in US engagement with South Africa, underlined by Trump’s previous criticisms of the country’s policies.
Trump had foreshadowed his absence back in July, expressing discontent with various domestic and foreign policies of South Africa, specifically addressing its contentious land reform agenda and its stance on Israel amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Trump’s contentious relationship with South African leadership was further highlighted during a White House meeting in May, where he confronted President Cyril Ramaphosa with misleading statements regarding allegations of white genocide and land seizures. This sparked controversy and condemnation from multiple quarters, including civil rights groups.
Further straining ties, earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order aiming to reduce US financial assistance to South Africa, reflecting a growing divide over critical issues pertaining to governance and human rights.
South Africa currently holds the G20 presidency and will continue to do so until November 2025. Notably, this isn’t the first instance of a US boycott regarding South African forums; Secretary of State Marco Rubio notably opted out of a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting held in the country earlier this year.
In a related development, Trump also declared that the United States will host the 2026 G20 conference in Miami, potentially aiming to reclaim some diplomatic influence within the international community following his absence in South Africa.