US Skips Official G20 Talks in South Africa Amid Trump Dispute

The United States confirmed on Thursday, November 21, 2025, that it will not participate in official talks at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the US ambassador will attend only for a ceremonial handover, as the country will host next year’s summit at a Trump-owned golf club in Florida.

This announcement comes after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa suggested that the US had changed its position and might join the summit. The White House, however, strongly denied these claims, stating that the US will not take part in any formal negotiations or consensus-building at the summit. Leavitt criticized Ramaphosa’s remarks, saying, “I saw the South African president running his mouth a little bit against the United States…that language is not appreciated by the president or his team.”

The G20 summit brings together leaders from the world’s 20 largest economies to discuss global economic and policy issues. South Africa’s agenda for this year’s meeting includes improving debt sustainability for low-income countries, financing a “just energy transition,” and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development. The Trump administration said these priorities “run counter to US policy views” and cannot be supported.

President Trump’s decision to skip the talks continues a pattern of disengagement from major international gatherings. The US has also boycotted the ongoing COP30 climate talks in Brazil, while defending fossil fuels and rejecting scientific consensus on climate change.

Trump has frequently criticized South Africa, particularly over what he describes as unfair treatment of white farmers. The US has imposed a 30 percent trade tariff on South African goods, the highest in sub-Saharan Africa. The administration also expelled South Africa’s ambassador after he accused Trump of racism.

Despite the official US boycott, American businesses are actively participating in the Business 20 (B20) forum held alongside the G20 summit. The head of the US Chamber of Commerce, Suzanne Clark, praised South Africa for fostering international collaboration and said US business leaders would continue to work with global partners. More than 600 US companies operate in South Africa, highlighting the country’s importance as a commercial partner.

This development underscores the growing tensions between the Trump administration and South Africa, while also demonstrating the US focus on hosting future global events on its own terms.