Trump Declares U.S. Boycott of G20 Summit in South Africa
President Donald Trump announced on March 15, 2024, that no U.S. government officials will attend this year’s Group of 20 (G20) summit in South Africa. His decision follows claims regarding the treatment of white farmers in the country, which he described as being subjected to violence and land confiscation.
Initially, Vice President JD Vance was scheduled to represent the U.S. at the summit. However, a source familiar with the plans, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Vance will no longer attend. Trump expressed his sentiments through a post on Truth Social, stating, “It is a total disgrace that the G20 will be held in South Africa. Afrikaners are being killed and slaughtered, and their land and farms are being illegally confiscated. No U.S. Government Official will attend as long as these Human Rights abuses continue.” He also mentioned his intention to host the G20 in Miami, Florida, in 2026.
In response, South Africa’s foreign ministry called Trump’s comments “regrettable,” emphasizing their commitment to hosting a successful summit. The ministry rebutted Trump’s claims, describing the characterization of Afrikaners as an exclusively white group as “ahistorical.” They also stated that the idea of persecution against this community lacks factual basis.
The summit, taking place in Johannesburg, aims to focus on themes of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” Trump’s administration has been vocal in its criticisms of the South African government, often accusing it of neglecting the rights of white farmers. Previously, the administration limited annual refugee admissions to 7,500, suggesting that most of these slots would be allocated to white South Africans facing discrimination.
South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has publicly disputed Trump’s assertions, informing him that claims of discrimination against Afrikaners are “completely false.” The South African government has expressed surprise at the U.S. accusations, noting that white residents generally enjoy a higher standard of living compared to their Black counterparts, over three decades after the end of apartheid.
Despite the controversy, Trump’s administration continues to maintain its stance. Earlier in the week, during an economic speech in Miami, Trump went as far as suggesting that South Africa should be expelled from the G20 due to its alleged human rights violations. This marks a continuation of the administration’s critical view of the South African government’s policies.
The political climate surrounding the G20 summit remains charged, with Trump’s criticisms echoing previous actions, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio boycotting a previous G20 meeting over issues related to diversity and climate change. As the summit approaches, the international community is closely watching the developments surrounding U.S. participation and the broader implications for diplomatic relations.
