President Donald Trump has announced that no U.S. government officials will attend this month’s G20 summit in South Africa, citing what he described as “ongoing human rights abuses” and reviving disputed claims that white South Africans are facing violent persecution.
The two-day meeting, scheduled for November 22–23 in Johannesburg, is set to bring together the world’s leading economies under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”
Trump, who had earlier indicated that Vice President JD Vance would lead the U.S. delegation, made the U-turn on Friday via his Truth Social platform.
“It is a total disgrace that the G20 will be held in South Africa.
“No U.S. Government Official will attend as long as these human rights abuses continue, ” Trump wrote.
He repeated unfounded allegations that Afrikaners descendants of early European settlers, are being “killed and having their land confiscated.”
The president also confirmed that the 2026 G20 Summit, which the U.S. is set to host, would take place at one of his private properties in Miami, Florida, a move that has already drawn criticism over potential conflicts of interest.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) responded swiftly, describing Trump’s comments as “regrettable and misleading.”
In a statement, the ministry said there was no evidence to support claims of targeted attacks on white South Africans, calling the allegations “ahistorical and politically motivated.
”The characterisation of Afrikaners as an exclusively white group is inaccurate.
“Furthermore, the assertion that they are being systematically persecuted lacks factual basis, ” the statement read.
DIRCO reiterated that the country remained committed to hosting a successful summit that reflects its global standing.
“Drawing from our national experience of overcoming racial division, South Africa is well placed to promote genuine solidarity and inclusive growth within the G20,” the ministry added.
The latest controversy marked a continuation of Trump’s tense relationship with South Africa since returning to the White House in January 2025.
Earlier this year, the U.S. president reportedly confronted South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa during a White House meeting, showing a video that falsely claimed the post-apartheid government was targeting white farmers.
The South African government had consistently denied any such campaign, insisting that isolated farm attacks affect citizens of all races and are driven by broader security challenges.
Trump’s administration has also taken several hardline measures against Pretoria.
Last week, Washington announced plans to slash annual refugee admissions to 7,500, the lowest in U.S. history, while signalling that white South Africans would be prioritised for entry.
Additionally, Trump has imposed 30 percent tariffs on South African imports, the steepest in sub-Saharan Africa, further straining diplomatic ties.
Relations between the two nations have also been tested over South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, a move Washington has publicly opposed.
Despite the tension, Pretoria has maintained that the summit will go ahead as planned, with leaders from the European Union, China, India, and other member states expected to attend.
“South Africa’s focus remains on its positive contributions to global cooperation.
“We look forward to hosting a productive and successful G20 meeting later this month, ” he said.
