The G20 summit is usually one of the year’s big-ticket diplomatic events – a chance for world leaders to come together, hash out global challenges, and signal unity on key issues.
But this year’s gathering, set for November in South Africa, might be missing one major name: U.S. President Donald Trump.
During an informal chat with reporters on Air Force One, Trump floated the possibility of not showing up – and his reasons were blunt.
“I’ve Had a Lot of Problems with South Africa”
Trump didn’t hold back in his comments.
“I think maybe I’ll send somebody else because I’ve had a lot of problems with South Africa,” he said, criticizing what he called “very bad policies” by the country both domestically and internationally.
The comment adds fresh tension to an already rocky relationship between Washington and Pretoria.
What’s Fueling the Friction?
The cracks in U.S.-South Africa relations didn’t appear overnight.
They’ve been growing over time, and Trump’s grievances fall into a few key areas:
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Land reform disputes: Trump previously accused South Africa of illegally seizing land and committing “white genocide”—claims that were broadly debunked and sparked global backlash.
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The ICJ case against Israel: South Africa recently filed a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, a move strongly opposed by the U.S. Given America’s close alliance with Israel, the lawsuit added fuel to the fire.
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Economic backlash: Back in February, Trump slashed U.S. financial assistance to South Africa, claiming the country’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws were discriminatory.
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Diplomatic gestures: Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio boycotted a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in South Africa, underscoring the diplomatic chill.
Gaza Conflict Making Things Worse
At the heart of much of the current tension is the conflict in Gaza.
The war has resulted in widespread destruction, with tens of thousands dead and millions displaced.
South Africa has vocally condemned Israel’s actions, continuing to push its genocide case at the ICJ. The U.S., on the other hand, has remained firmly in Israel’s corner.
This fundamental disagreement on a core global issue has made it even harder for the two countries to see eye-to-eye.
Ramaphosa Pushes Back
In response to Trump’s remarks, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has stood his ground.
He defended both the country’s land reform efforts and BEE laws as essential tools for correcting the injustices of apartheid.
Ramaphosa has also encouraged Trump to attend the G20 summit, framing the event as an opportunity to foster dialogue rather than deepen divides.
A Diplomatic Snub in the Making?
If Trump ultimately skips the G20 summit, it could be interpreted as a serious diplomatic slight—especially since South Africa holds the G20 presidency this year.
The big question now is: if not Trump, then who will represent the U.S.?
And what impact will that decision have on the summit’s tone and outcomes?
Could This Deepen the Divide?
Analysts are already warning that Trump’s absence could further fracture the G20.
With global cooperation on shaky ground—thanks to conflicts, trade disputes, and climate disagreements—any sign of division could be magnified on the world stage.
For now, there’s no official confirmation either way.
But one thing’s clear: this year’s G20 summit is shaping up to be as politically charged as ever.