US Withdraws from Major Global Summit
The United States has declared it will officially boycott the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa, with President Donald Trump condemning the host nation's treatment of its white farming community. The dramatic announcement was made on 7th November 2025 from the White House Cabinet Room in Washington DC.
Administration's Stance on Farmer Persecution
President Trump confirmed that no US government officials would attend the Group of 20 summit, originally scheduled to be represented by JD Vance in Trump's stead. In a social media post, the President described the decision to hold the summit in South Africa as a "total disgrace," specifically citing "abuses" against Afrikaners including violence, deaths, and land confiscation.
The Trump administration has maintained a consistent position regarding South Africa's white minority farmers, alleging the government permits their persecution and attacks. This stance has influenced US refugee policy, with the administration restricting annual refugee admissions to 7,500 while indicating priority would be given to white South Africans facing alleged discrimination.
South Africa's Response and Ongoing Tensions
The South African government has expressed surprise at these accusations, noting that white citizens generally experience higher living standards than Black residents more than three decades after apartheid ended. President Cyril Ramaphosa has personally informed Trump that information about discrimination against Afrikaners is "completely false."
Despite these assurances, the Trump administration has intensified its criticism. During a recent economic speech in Miami, Trump suggested South Africa should be expelled from the G20 entirely. This follows earlier diplomatic tensions when Secretary of State Marco Rubio boycotted a G20 foreign ministers' meeting due to its focus on diversity, inclusion, and climate change initiatives.
The boycott represents a significant escalation in diplomatic relations between the two nations and raises questions about the future of international cooperation within the G20 framework.
