President Donald Trump announced that no U. S. government officials would attend the upcoming Group of 20 summit in South Africa due to what he called “human rights abuses” occurring in the country. He criticized the decision to host the summit in South Africa, claiming that Afrikaners are being harmed and their land is unlawfully taken. In his statement, Trump expressed his anticipation of hosting the 2026 G20 summit in Miami.
South Africa’s foreign ministry deemed Trump’s decision “regrettable” and rejected his assertions that Afrikaners face persecution. The ministry clarified that such claims lack evidence and emphasized its commitment to fostering unity and addressing divisions through the G20 platform.
Trump has previously criticized South Africa’s policies, including land issues and its stance on Israel. In a related matter, Vice President JD Vance, who was supposed to attend the summit, will no longer go. Additionally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously boycotted a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in South Africa. The United States is set to assume the G20 presidency following South Africa’s term.
With information from Reuters
