U.S. President Donald Trump has said he may skip the upcoming G20 leaders’ summit in South Africa scheduled for November, citing deep disagreements with the country’s domestic and foreign policies.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday, Trump stated, “I think maybe I’ll send somebody else because I’ve had a lot of problems with South Africa. They have some very bad policies.”
Trump’s remarks come amid rising tensions between Washington and Pretoria over issues ranging from land reform and Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies, to South Africa’s legal challenge against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where it has accused the U.S. ally of genocide in Gaza.
In February, Trump signed an executive order cutting U.S. financial aid to South Africa, escalating a diplomatic rift that intensified in May when he confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House with disputed claims about land seizures and “white genocide.”
South Africa, which currently holds the G20 presidency (December 2024 – November 2025), has extended an invitation to Trump, with President Ramaphosa urging him to attend despite the strained relationship. However, the Trump administration appears to be doubling down, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio also boycotted a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting held in South Africa earlier this year.
Washington has long expressed discontent with South Africa’s stance on the Gaza war, particularly its ICJ case against Israel. The Israeli offensive has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and accusations of war crimes. Israel rejects the genocide charge, describing its actions as self-defense following the October 2023 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 people and led to over 250 hostages being taken.
Despite Trump’s criticism, Ramaphosa has defended his government’s policies, particularly land reform, stating that there are no plans for arbitrary confiscation and that reforms are intended to address historic racial injustices.
Should Trump officially decline to attend, it would mark a significant diplomatic snub amid efforts by G20 nations to maintain unity during a time of global geopolitical strain.
Written By Rodney Mbua
