Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced he may skip the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled to be held in South Africa this November, citing deep concerns over the country’s domestic and foreign policies. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated, “I think maybe I’ll send somebody else because I’ve had a lot of problems with South Africa. They have some very bad policies.”

This marks the latest development in a series of diplomatic tensions between the United States and South Africa, particularly during Trump’s administration. Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order to halt U.S. financial aid to South Africa. In May, he reportedly challenged South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over unsubstantiated claims of white land seizures and genocide.

South Africa’s leadership in filing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice has further intensified friction. Both the Trump and Biden administrations criticized the case, with Trump taking a harder stance. In a related move, Secretary of State Marco Rubio boycotted a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting hosted in South Africa.

Relations have also been strained over South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies, aimed at redressing racial inequalities. The U.S. has voiced concern about the potential impact of these measures on American investments and property rights, though South African officials insist the policies are lawful and non-discriminatory.

As South Africa holds the G20 presidency through November 2025, Ramaphosa has called on Trump to attend the summit in person, underscoring the importance of U.S. engagement on the global stage. However, with diplomatic ties fraying, Trump’s attendance remains uncertain.