President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will not be attending the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) leaders’ summit in South Africa this November. Instead, Vice President JD Vance will represent the United States at the high-profile gathering.
Speaking from the Oval Office on Friday, Trump told reporters: “I won’t be going, JD will be going. Great vice president, and he looks forward to it.” He also used the moment to announce that the US will host the 2026 G20 summit in Miami—a move he described as “very exciting” for the country.
Trump had already hinted back in July that he would skip the event, pointing to his dissatisfaction with South Africa’s policies. His clashes with Pretoria have been frequent and sharp. From opposing South Africa’s land reform agenda to condemning its case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, Trump has openly criticized the Ramaphosa administration.
The tension reached a peak earlier this year. In February, Trump signed an executive order cutting US financial assistance to South Africa. By May, he confronted President Cyril Ramaphosa directly at the White House, repeating controversial claims about “white genocide” and land seizures—remarks that were widely dismissed by analysts but added fuel to the diplomatic fire.
By staying away from the G20, Trump is sending a clear message: Washington’s relationship with Pretoria is on shaky ground. Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio also boycotted a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in South Africa. And with Pretoria currently holding the G20 presidency until November 2025, the absence of the US president himself will not go unnoticed.
Instead, Vice President Vance will carry America’s flag at the summit. While analysts say his presence ensures Washington still has a seat at the table, Trump’s decision signals reduced direct engagement with South Africa. Critics warn that this could further isolate Pretoria at a moment when it is eager to flex influence in global forums.
The November summit is expected to tackle big global challenges: post-pandemic economic recovery, climate change, and rising geopolitical tensions. For many, the real test will be whether the US can maintain its influence in the room—especially with Trump choosing to watch from the sidelines.
