Trump Administration Denies Participation in G20 Summit Amid Diplomatic Tension with South Africa

Washington:

The Trump administration firmly denied South Africa's claim on Thursday that the United States was ending its boycott of the G20 summit in Johannesburg this weekend, emphasizing that no US official would participate in the discussions.

Earlier Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa had described a last-minute reversal by the Trump administration, which has consistently criticized South Africa over the post-apartheid government's treatment of white minority farmers.

The White House clarified that while the US ambassador would attend, it would only be for a handover ceremony as the United States will host next year's summit of global economic powers at Trump's Florida golf club.

"The United States is not participating in official talks at the G20 in South Africa," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

"I saw the South African president running his mouth a little bit against the United States and the president of the United States earlier today, and that language is not appreciated by the president or his team," she stated.

Ramaphosa had previously indicated that the United States had a "change of mind about participating in one shape, form or other, in the summit."

He characterized this supposed change as "a positive sign" and emphasized, "All countries are here, and the United States, the biggest economy in the world, needs to be here."

Ramaphosa's statements contradicted the US embassy in Pretoria's notice that it would not attend.

In a weekend message, the embassy stated that South Africa's G20 priorities "run counter to the US policy views and we cannot support consensus on any documents negotiated under your presidency."

The summit agenda included improving debt sustainability for low-income countries, financing a "just energy transition," and harnessing "critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development."

The Group of 20 represents approximately 85 percent of the global economy, with its summits becoming significant gatherings for world leaders since the 2008 economic crisis.

Trump had initially planned to send Vice President JD Vance before deciding against any participation.

This G20 summit marks the latest major international gathering boycotted by the United States under Trump's leadership.

The United States is also avoiding the ongoing COP30 climate talks in Brazil, with Trump instead advocating for fossil fuels and rejecting the scientific consensus on rising global temperatures.

Trump has specifically targeted South Africa for harsh treatment since returning to the White House in January, often referencing far-right internet commentary.

He has repeated debunked claims that white Afrikaners are being systematically "killed and slaughtered" in the country, which experiences high levels of violence. The Trump administration also expelled South Africa's ambassador after he accused Trump of racism.

Trump has imposed 30 percent trade tariffs on South Africa, the highest in sub-Saharan Africa.

Despite Trump's boycott, US businesses are well represented at a separate Business 20 (B20) event that concluded in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Suzanne Clark, head of the US Chamber of Commerce, thanked South Africa for fostering "real collaboration between G20 nations during a time of rapid change" during its presidency.

"The US Chamber of Commerce will use our B20 leadership to foster international collaboration," Clark said.

The United States maintains significant business interests in South Africa with more than 600 US companies operating there, according to the South African embassy in Washington.