Trump Snubs Johannesburg G20, Says South Africa ‘Shouldn’t Be in the Gs Anymore’

Trump Takes Aim at South Africa Ahead of Johannesburg G20

In what’s become a familiar mix of political theatre and controversy, former US President Donald Trump has once again found himself at the centre of a global storm, this time for taking a public swipe at South Africa, the host of this year’s G20 Summit.

Speaking at a business forum in Miami, Trump declared that South Africa “shouldn’t even be in the Gs anymore,” adding that he would not attend the high-profile gathering of world leaders scheduled for November 22–23 in Johannesburg.

“Look at South Africa, what’s going on. I’m not going,” Trump told the audience. “I told them, I’m not going. I’m not gonna represent our country there. It shouldn’t be there.”

The remarks have been widely condemned by political analysts, social media users, and South African officials, who view them as a thinly veiled insult to both the nation’s leadership and its global standing.

President Donald Trump: “For generations Miami has been a haven for those fleeing communist tyranny in South Africa. I mean, if you take a look at what’s going on in parts of South Africa. Look at South Africa, what’s going on. Look at South America, what’s going on. You know,… pic.twitter.com/6Y1Pi6Xxh7

Ofentse Donald Davhie (@DonaldDavhie) November 5, 2025

South Africa’s Historic Role Under Fire

Trump’s comments couldn’t have come at a more sensitive time. South Africa is currently chairing the G20 a historic first for the African continent, with a focus on economic reform, equitable global growth, and amplifying the Global South’s voice in world affairs.

Pretoria’s inclusion in the G20 since 1999 has symbolised Africa’s seat at the world’s most powerful economic table. The country remains the only African member of the forum, representing a continent often left out of global economic decision-making.

Trump’s remarks, suggesting South Africa doesn’t deserve its place, have therefore been read not just as political posturing, but as a direct affront to African representation in global governance.

A Reflection of Fractured Relations

Relations between Washington and Pretoria have grown increasingly tense in recent years. South Africa’s non-aligned stance on the Russia-Ukraine war and its deepening BRICS partnerships with China and Russia have drawn criticism from US officials.

Under President Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa has positioned itself as a neutral mediator between global powers a stance that has often clashed with Washington’s expectations.

Trump’s latest jab may be seen as an extension of long-simmering frustrations in American foreign policy circles, particularly among those who view South Africa as drifting away from Western influence.

Social Media Backlash: “Another Trump Tantrum”

Back home, South Africans took to X (formerly Twitter) to clap back at Trump’s remarks.

“Trump is talking nonsense again South Africa earned its seat at the G20,” one user posted.
Another wrote, “If he’s not coming, good. We don’t need more chaos at our summit.”

Political commentators were equally unimpressed. Some noted that Trump’s language especially his bizarre reference to “communist tyranny in South Africa”, echoed outdated Cold War rhetoric and betrayed a lack of understanding of South Africa’s modern democracy.

The White House Tries to Smooth Things Over

While Trump may be staying away, Washington will still be represented. The White House confirmed that a US delegation, likely led by Vice President JD Vance, will attend the Johannesburg summit as planned.

A State Department spokesperson also reaffirmed that the United States “continues to value South Africa’s role in global economic and security dialogues.”

South African officials, meanwhile, have maintained their composure. A spokesperson for the Presidency said that preparations for the G20 were “progressing smoothly,” and the country “remains focused on driving an agenda of inclusive growth and fair global reform.”

Reading Between the Lines

For many observers, Trump’s comments are less about South Africa and more about Trump himself, a man whose foreign policy instincts have always leaned toward provocation rather than diplomacy.

His decision to boycott the Johannesburg summit may play well with his political base ahead of the 2024 US elections, where he has often framed global cooperation as weakness and isolationism as strength.

But from an African perspective, his remarks carry a familiar sting, a reminder of how global power still too often dismisses African leadership as illegitimate or unworthy.

As Johannesburg readies to host one of the world’s most consequential gatherings, South Africa faces the dual challenge of managing the optics of Trump’s snub while continuing to project confidence on the world stage.

For President Cyril Ramaphosa, the summit represents more than just economic diplomacy, it’s a chance to assert Africa’s voice in a shifting world order where the Global South is demanding to be heard.

And whether Trump shows up or not, South Africa’s seat at that table remains firmly its own.

Trump’s latest outburst might grab headlines, but it won’t derail South Africa’s historic moment as host of the G20. If anything, it underscores why the country’s leadership and Africa’s presence in global governance, matters now more than ever.

{Source: IOL}

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