President Donald Trump has indicated he may skip the November G20 summit in South Africa, citing the nation’s ‘very bad policies’ and ongoing diplomatic tensions. The decision comes amid escalating disputes over South Africa’s land policies and its handling of the violent crime crisis, which have drawn significant attention from the Trump administration.
During a press briefing aboard Air Force One, Trump remarked on the potential absence from the summit, stating he had ‘had a lot of problems with South Africa.’ He specifically mentioned the country’s policies, particularly those he claims result in the deaths of people, describing them as ‘very, very bad policies.’
The tensions between Trump’s administration and South Africa have a historical context, with Trump previously confronting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House over allegations regarding the treatment of White farmers. Despite these claims, South Africa and its president have consistently denied any genocide or harassment, emphasizing the country’s legal and ethical stance.
Additionally, former Secretary of State Marco Rubio had already boycotted a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in South Africa earlier this year due to the government’s controversial land seizure policy. Both the Trump and Biden administrations have criticized South Africa for its stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza, where the country has accused Israel of genocide and brought a case to the International Court of Justice.
This situation underscores the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding South Africa’s domestic and international policies. The ongoing disputes have implications for diplomatic relations and the country’s role in global governance. As the G20 summit approaches, the potential exclusion of the United States from the event highlights the complexities of international diplomacy and the challenges of maintaining consensus among nations with differing perspectives and priorities.