Keypoints
- Trump signals possible G20 boycott over South African policies
- Tensions rise on land reform and Israel genocide case
- Ramaphosa urges Trump to attend, rejects US claims
PRESIDENT Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he may not attend the G20 leaders’ summit scheduled for November in South Africa, citing what he described as ‘very bad policies’ by the host nation.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters he might instead send another representative to lead the US delegation. ‘I think maybe I’ll send somebody else, because I’ve had a lot of problems with South Africa… A lot of people are being killed. So I think I probably won’t, I’d like to, but I don’t think I will,’ he said, according to a Reuters report.
Washington–Pretoria relations under strain
Trump’s remarks come amid a period of deteriorating ties between Washington and Pretoria over domestic and foreign policy disputes. His administration has repeatedly criticised South Africa’s land reform measures, alleging discrimination against white farmers, and strongly opposed Pretoria’s legal case accusing Israel of genocide in its war on Gaza.
In February 2025, Trump signed an executive order halting all US financial assistance to South Africa. Three months later, he clashed with President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House, repeating unsubstantiated claims of white genocide and land seizures.
Earlier this year, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also boycotted a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg, citing ongoing disagreements with Pretoria’s stance on Israel and land redistribution.
Ramaphosa pushes for Trump’s participation
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose country currently holds the G20 presidency, has invited Trump to attend the summit, insisting dialogue is essential to global cooperation. Ramaphosa has rejected Washington’s claims, saying land reform measures aim to address historic injustices and are consistent with South Africa’s constitution.
Pretoria has also dismissed allegations of arbitrary land grabs, stressing that no unlawful confiscations of white-owned property are planned. Officials have described Trump’s rhetoric on ‘white genocide’ as misleading and harmful to bilateral relations.
Implications for G20 diplomacy
The G20 brings together 19 countries plus the European Union and the African Union, with leaders expected to debate pressing issues including the war in Ukraine, climate change, global trade and energy security.
The November summit marks the first time the gathering will be hosted on African soil. Analysts warn that a potential US no-show could weaken Western influence on the G20 agenda and give China and other powers more room to shape the forum’s direction ahead of Washington assuming the presidency in December 2025.
