Trump’s Decision on G20 Attendance
President Trump has declared that the United States will not participate in this year’s Group of 20 summit in South Africa, citing concerns over the treatment of White farmers in the country.
Previously, Mr. Trump had indicated he would skip the summit, which is scheduled for later this month in Johannesburg. In his absence, Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to represent the U.S.
On social media, Mr. Trump expressed his disapproval, stating, “It’s a total disgrace that the G20 will be held in South Africa.” He highlighted issues faced by Afrikaners—descendants of Dutch settlers and other European immigrants—claiming they are being killed and their lands unlawfully taken.
The president emphasized that no U.S. government officials would attend as long as these alleged human rights violations persist. He also mentioned his anticipation of hosting the 2026 G20 summit in Miami, Florida.
This week, Mr. Trump remarked that South Africa “shouldn’t be in the G’s,” referring to its membership in the G20 group.
The Trump administration has consistently argued that the South African government has permitted violence against White Afrikaner farmers. Earlier this year, he granted refugee status to some Afrikaners fleeing persecution, with a group arriving in May.
In May, President Trump met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House to discuss these issues directly. During their meeting, Mr. Ramaphosa was reportedly surprised when Mr. Trump presented evidence regarding farmer safety concerns and urged him to take action.
The South African government has dismissed claims of persecution against White Afrikaners as “completely false.” The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation stated that statistics do not support allegations of targeted violent crime against farmers based on race.
The ministry further asserted that adequate structures exist within South Africa to address discrimination concerns and noted that any allegations do not meet the legal criteria for persecution under domestic or international law.
