US President Donald Trump has announced he will not attend the upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg, sharply criticising South Africa’s inclusion in the group of major economies.
Speaking at the America Business Forum in Miami, Trump accused South Africa of “going in the wrong direction.”
“I’m not going to represent our country there. It shouldn’t be there,” he said, referring to South Africa’s role as G20 host.
He reiterated longstanding grievances, including allegations of land seizures and what he described as “massive human rights violations,” saying South Africa’s domestic and foreign policies have eroded its credibility among leading global economies.
The G20 summit in Johannesburg, scheduled for 22–23 November, is expected to draw leaders from the world’s largest economies, with South Africa currently holding the rotating presidency before handing it over to the United States in December.
Trump’s absence is likely to cast a shadow over the event, which has been billed as a milestone for African representation in global economic governance.
The decision marks a significant diplomatic snub as South Africa prepares to host the first-ever G20 summit on African soil.
Tensions between Washington and Pretoria have escalated since Trump began his second term in January.
His administration has frequently criticised South Africa’s land reform policies and its diplomatic alignment with countries like China and Russia.
While South Africa has maintained that its policies are rooted in constitutional reform and multilateral engagement, Trump has repeatedly questioned its place in international forums.
JN/APA