In a blunt statement on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump told an audience at the American Business Forum in Miami that South Africa “shouldn’t even be in the G’s anymore.” He added that he will not be traveling to Johannesburg for the upcoming G20 leaders’ summit, which is set to take place on November 22‑23 under South Africa’s rotating presidency of the group.
The remark comes amid a series of sharp criticisms Trump has leveled at Pretoria, accusing the country of “confiscating land” and treating certain groups “very badly.” He has previously linked those allegations to a broader human‑rights narrative, even issuing an executive order in February that halted U.S. aid to South Africa.
Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to lead the U.S. delegation in Trump’s place, underscoring the administration’s intent to stay engaged despite the president’s refusal to attend ¹. South Africa’s presidency of the G20 runs through the end of 2025, making the Johannesburg meeting a key diplomatic moment for the African nation.
The White House’s stance has drawn sharp reactions from Pretoria, which has rejected Trump’s claims as “factually inaccurate” and warned that the comments could strain bilateral ties ². Observers note that the dispute adds a new layer of tension to an already complex relationship, especially given South Africa’s recent diplomatic positions on issues such as the Israel‑Gaza conflict and its stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
As the G20 summit approaches, the United States will be represented by Vice President Vance, while President Trump remains steadfast in his decision to skip the event. The situation raises questions about the future of U.S.–South Africa relations and the role of the G20 as a forum for major economies.
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