US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will not attend the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, sparking renewed tensions between Washington and Pretoria ahead of the high-level global meeting later this month.
Speaking at a business forum in Miami, Trump questioned South Africa’s role in the Group of 20, saying the country “shouldn’t even be in the Gs anymore” and alleging that South Africa is “going in the wrong direction.”
“I’m not going. We have a G20 meeting in South Africa. South Africa shouldn’t even be in the Gs anymore, because what’s happened there is bad. I told them I’m not going,” Trump said.
South Africa currently serves as G20 president for the 2024–2025 term, marking the first time an African nation has led the group. The summit, set to take place in Johannesburg from November 22–23, will focus on global economic reform, equitable growth, and the voice of the Global South in international decision-making.
🌍 Diplomatic Tensions Rise
Trump’s comments have been widely interpreted as a fresh diplomatic blow to already strained relations between the US and South Africa.
Ties between the two countries have been under pressure over South Africa’s non-aligned stance on global conflicts and its close cooperation with Russia and China through the BRICS alliance.
Despite Trump’s decision not to attend, the White House confirmed that the US delegation will still be represented, likely led by Vice President JD Vance.
SA Presses On With Preparations
South African officials have downplayed the remarks, insisting that preparations for the G20 summit are proceeding as planned.
The Department of International Relations has emphasised that South Africa remains a committed member of the G20, working to elevate African priorities on the global stage.
South Africa joined the G20 in 1999 and continues to be the only African member of the global economic forum, which brings together the world’s most advanced and emerging economies.
🔍 What It Means for Joburg
As Johannesburg prepares to host one of the most significant international gatherings in its history, Trump’s absence is unlikely to derail the event.
The city will welcome leaders from around the world, including from China, India, Brazil, and the European Union, in what is expected to be a major moment for Africa’s global economic diplomacy.