Trump signals possible G-20 boycott over South Africa disputes

Key topics:

• Trump may skip the G-20 summit in South Africa, citing policy disputes.

• South Africa hosts the G-20 for the first time, marking an African debut.

• US has snubbed South Africa amid tensions over land and racial policies.

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By Skylar Woodhouse and Derek Wallbank

President Donald Trump said he may skip the G-20 summit in South Africa later this year, saying he’s open to sending someone else to the gathering of the leaders of the world’s biggest economies.

“I think maybe I’ll send somebody else, because I’ve had a lot of problems with South Africa,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, faulting the country for what he said were some “very bad policies.” 

G-20 leaders summits bring together the heads of member countries as well as those from nations invited by host countries. This is the first year that a summit is due to be hosted on the African continent, and the fourth consecutive one in a country considered part of the Global South.

The US, the world’s largest economy and the inaugural host of the G-20 back in 2008, has largely snubbed South Africa’s host year, declining to send top officials to ministerial gatherings. The Trump administration has repeatedly clashed with the country’s leaders, especially over land and racial policies, as well as with the BRICS bloc, of which South Africa is a prominent member.

The United States is scheduled to take over the rotating presidency of the G-20 at the end of November, and will host its next leaders summit in 2026.