Trump Says No U.S. Officials Will Attend G20 Summit in South Africa Over “Human Rights Abuses
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that no American government officials will attend this month’s G20 summit in South Africa, citing alleged human rights abuses against white Afrikaners. South Africa’s foreign ministry called the move “regrettable” and rejected Trump’s claims as baseless. Vice President JD Vance, who was scheduled to attend, has canceled his trip. Pretoria reaffirmed its commitment to hosting a “successful and united” summit despite U.S. criticism.
Trump Says No U.S. Officials Will Attend G20 Summit in South Africa Over “Human Rights Abuses
Washington:
President Donald Trump announced that no U.S. government officials will attend this month’s G20 summit in South Africa, citing what he called “human rights abuses” against white Afrikaners.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“It is a total disgrace that the G20 will be held in South Africa. Afrikaners are being killed and slaughtered, and their land and farms are being illegally confiscated. No U.S. Government Official will attend as long as these Human Rights abuses continue.”
He added that he looks forward to hosting the 2026 G20 Summit in Miami, Florida.
Vice President Cancels Trip
A source familiar with the matter confirmed that Vice President JD Vance, who was expected to represent the United States at the G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg on November 22–23, has canceled his trip following Trump’s directive.
South Africa Calls Decision “Regrettable”
South Africa’s foreign ministry described Trump’s comments as “regrettable” and firmly rejected his claims that white Afrikaners are persecuted in the Black-majority nation.
In an official statement, the ministry said:
“The claim that this community faces persecution is not substantiated by fact. Our history of overcoming racial inequality allows South Africa to champion global unity through the G20 platform.”
Pretoria reaffirmed its commitment to hosting a “successful and inclusive” summit, despite the U.S. boycott.
Earlier Boycott and Broader Context
Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio also boycotted a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in South Africa. The country currently holds the G20 presidency (December 2024–November 2025) and will hand it over to the United States next year.
Trump has repeatedly criticized South Africa’s domestic and foreign policies — including its land reform measures and its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice — calling them “deeply troubling.”
Analysis:
Political analysts say Trump’s decision could further strain U.S.–South Africa relations. The move reflects growing U.S. frustration over Pretoria’s stance on the Israel–Gaza war and its alignment with the Global South on key international issues.
