Washington: US President Donald Trump said no American officials will attend this year’s G20 Summit in South Africa. He accused the country of unfairly treating its minority white farmers. Moreover, Trump stated that the decision reflects his administration’s stand against discrimination. The announcement adds new tension to Washington’s ties with Pretoria.
US President Donald Trump announced that no American officials will attend the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa. He criticised the host nation, calling it a “total disgrace” and accused its government of allowing serious mistreatment of Afrikaners. The G20 meeting will take place in Johannesburg on November 22–23.
Trump claimed on his social media platform that South Africa’s government has ignored “abuses” against Afrikaners. He alleged that farmers of Dutch, French, and German descent have faced killings, violence, and illegal land seizures. According to him, the situation has reached a point where the United States cannot participate in the summit.
He wrote that Afrikaners are “being killed and slaughtered” while their land and farms are “illegally confiscated.” Trump added that no US government official will attend the G20 as long as these “human rights abuses” continue. He also said he looked forward to hosting the 2026 G20 Summit in Miami, Florida.
Earlier this year, Trump had already confirmed that he would not personally attend the South Africa meeting. However, this full diplomatic boycott marks an unusual step by Washington. It reflects the administration’s sharper stance towards Pretoria on human rights and political issues. Moreover, it highlights growing friction between the two nations.
The South African government has strongly rejected Trump’s claims. Officials said white South Africans continue to enjoy higher living standards than the Black majority, even decades after apartheid. President Cyril Ramaphosa told Trump that reports of violence against white farmers were “completely false.” He insisted that the government promotes equality for all citizens.
Trump’s new comments follow remarks he made in Miami earlier this week. Speaking at an economic event, he said South Africa “should be thrown out of the G20.” He argued that the country no longer deserves its place in the group, adding that he would not represent the United States at the meeting.
This dispute comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio skipped a G20 foreign ministers’ gathering earlier this year. Rubio criticised the forum for focusing too much on diversity, inclusion, and climate change. His stance aligns with Trump’s call for a return to economic priorities over social issues.
South Africa currently holds the rotating presidency of the G20, while the United States will take over next year. Despite the boycott, the Johannesburg summit will continue as planned. Global leaders are expected to discuss economic growth, energy transition, and development cooperation during the two-day event.