The United States will not send any government representatives to the upcoming G20 summit hosted in South Africa, a decision President Donald Trump declared “a total disgrace.” The administration cited ongoing concerns regarding the alleged mistreatment of white Afrikaner farmers in the country. These concerns reportedly include instances of violence, fatalities, and the seizure of farmland. President Trump specifically highlighted the plight of these farmers as the primary reason for the US boycott of the international gathering.
Initially, President Trump had indicated he would not personally attend the annual assembly of global leaders. However, the decision has now expanded, with Vice President J.D. Vance also canceling his planned participation. A source close to Vance’s schedule confirmed his withdrawal from the summit.
The Trump administration has consistently voiced criticism of South Africa’s government, alleging a pattern of persecution and attacks targeting minority white Afrikaner farmers. Previously, when the US set limits on refugee admissions, the administration suggested a significant portion of these slots would be reserved for white South Africans, citing the discrimination and violence they allegedly face.
South Africa has formally denied these allegations. President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly communicated directly with President Trump, refuting claims of discrimination and persecution against Afrikaners as “completely false.” The South African government asserts that white citizens generally maintain a higher standard of living compared to Black residents, even more than three decades after the end of apartheid.
Despite these official denials, the US administration has maintained its critical stance. Earlier in the week, President Trump publicly suggested that South Africa should be expelled from the G20 altogether.
This is not the first instance of US officials boycotting G20 events under the current administration. Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio opted out of a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting, citing objections to an agenda that prioritized diversity, inclusion, and climate change initiatives.