By The Indus Zone Media News Desk | November 8, 2025 | Donald Trump Slams South Africa
In a controversial statement, former US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will not attend the G20 Summit scheduled to be held in South Africa this year. Calling the event “a total disgrace,” Trump accused the South African government of allowing violence and land seizures targeting the country’s white Afrikaner farmers.
Donald Trump Cancels US Participation in G20 Summit
Trump, who had already stated earlier that he would not personally attend the summit, confirmed that no US officials would be representing the country at the Group of 20 leaders’ meeting.
Vice President JD Vance, who was initially expected to attend in Trump’s place, has also reportedly canceled his travel plans. According to a source familiar with the situation, Vance’s withdrawal reflects the administration’s decision to boycott the event entirely.
“It is a total disgrace that the G20 will be held in South Africa,” Trump posted on his social media platform, citing alleged abuses and land confiscations against white farmers.
The Allegations: Trump’s Criticism of South Africa
The Trump administration has long accused the South African government of enabling or ignoring attacks on minority white farmers, especially Afrikaners.
During his presidency, Trump claimed that land redistribution policies in South Africa unfairly targeted white citizens and amounted to racial discrimination. His latest comments reignited the debate, as he referred to “violence and death” suffered by Afrikaner farmers and blamed the South African government for “human rights abuses.”
The administration also defended its earlier immigration stance, noting that the refugee quota had been reduced to 7,500, with a significant portion reportedly reserved for “white South Africans facing persecution.”
South Africa Responds: Ramaphosa Rejects Trump’s Claims
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa quickly dismissed Trump’s allegations, calling them “completely false and misleading.”
Ramaphosa stated that the accusations of persecution were “baseless,” emphasizing that white citizens continue to enjoy a higher average income and better living conditions than Black South Africans — even decades after apartheid ended.
“There is no systemic violence or government-backed discrimination against any racial group,” Ramaphosa said, adding that Trump’s statements are politically motivated.
Political Fallout and Global Reaction
Trump’s latest remarks have once again stirred controversy on the global stage. His comments come just months after Secretary of State Marco Rubio boycotted a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting, objecting to its focus on diversity, inclusion, and climate change.
Critics argue that Trump’s approach risks isolating the United States diplomatically, while supporters claim he is standing up against what he views as racial double standards in international politics.
Meanwhile, economists and policy experts have expressed concern that America’s absence from the G20 could weaken its influence on global trade and climate negotiations, especially as emerging economies push for reforms in global governance.
A Political Strategy or Diplomatic Misstep?
Analysts suggest that Trump’s boycott of the G20 could be part of a broader campaign strategy to appeal to his conservative voter base ahead of the upcoming elections. His narrative focusing on “protecting persecuted groups” and “rejecting globalist forums” resonates with sections of his supporters who favor nationalistic foreign policy.
However, the move may further strain US–South Africa relations, which have been tense since Trump’s earlier criticisms of land reforms in the country.
Conclusion
As the world’s major economies gather in South Africa without US representation, Trump’s absence marks a significant shift in America’s diplomatic stance. Whether viewed as a bold protest or a diplomatic setback, one thing is clear — Donald Trump’s foreign policy continues to spark global debate and divide opinion.