United States President Donald Trump has stirred global debate after announcing that he will not attend the upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, later this month.
Speaking at a business forum in Miami, Trump questioned South Africa’s position in the G20, saying the country “shouldn’t even be part of the group anymore” due to what he described as worsening conditions within the nation.
The G20 Summit, set to take place from 22 to 23 November 2025, will be the first of its kind to be hosted on African soil. World leaders from 19 major economies, alongside representatives of the European Union and African Union, are expected to discuss pressing global challenges, including trade, inequality, and climate change.
South Africa currently holds the G20 presidency, a position it assumed in 2024, and is due to hand over leadership to the United States in 2026. However, Trump’s remarks have raised questions about how his administration plans to engage with the group going forward.
Tensions between Washington and Pretoria have grown throughout 2025, with disagreements ranging from trade tariffs to foreign policy positions. The United States recently imposed a 30% tariff on South African exports, a move Pretoria labelled “unjust and politically motivated.”
In his address, Trump hinted that his decision to skip the summit was a political statement, saying that the U.S. “will not take part in a forum that no longer reflects the values or strength it once stood for.”
Meanwhile, South African officials have expressed disappointment in Trump’s comments, reaffirming that the summit will proceed as planned and that all member nations remain welcome. Government representatives emphasised that South Africa’s leadership within the G20 aims to strengthen Africa’s voice in global decision-making and promote fairer economic growth.
Despite Trump’s absence, the Johannesburg gathering is expected to draw significant international attention, as leaders look to chart a course for sustainable development amid growing economic uncertainty and geopolitical divisions.
