South Africa G20 Summit 2026: Trump Says Country Not Invited to US Meeting

Washington DC — Former President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that South Africa would not be invited to next year’s Group of 20 summit in the United States, days after the African nation hosted the annual gathering of the world’s largest economies.

The statement marks the latest escalation in a series of public disputes between Trump and South Africa’s government.

Trump, who did not attend the current G20 meeting, justified the exclusion citing what he described as ongoing attacks on white South Africans and alleged land seizures.

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In a post on Truth Social, Trump repeated claims that have been widely debunked by experts and international observers.

“South Africa has demonstrated to the world they are not a country worthy of membership anywhere,” Trump wrote, adding that the United States would “stop all payments and subsidies” to the country, though he did not specify the programs affected.

Trump’s comments come after a controversial meeting in May with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House, where Trump aired a video alleging persecution of white South Africans. Ramaphosa described the meeting as “stunning” and it has since strained bilateral relations.

The current G20 summit, held in Johannesburg, was attended by leaders from the world’s 19 largest economies as well as representatives from the European Union and African Union. The forum aims to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, global financial stability, and international trade.

Trump cited a diplomatic slight involving the ceremonial handover of the G20 summit, claiming Ramaphosa refused to hand over the proceedings to the acting US ambassador. South African officials maintain that protocol required the handover to another head of state rather than a diplomat.

International relations experts say Trump’s announcement could have limited legal effect, but carries symbolic weight.

“Excluding South Africa from the G20 in 2026 is largely a political gesture,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of international diplomacy at Georgetown University.

“The summit’s agenda is set collectively, and the United States cannot unilaterally bar a member from attending if consensus is reached.”

Others note that Trump’s claims about white South Africans and land expropriation have little basis in verified data. “The statistics do not support the narrative of systemic targeting of white farmers,” said Johan van der Merwe, a South African agricultural economist. “Trump’s statements risk inflaming international tensions unnecessarily.”

Trump also mentioned halting US subsidies and payments to South Africa, a country that has historically received significant American support in public health and development programs.

Most US aid, primarily targeting HIV and AIDS programs, had already been suspended through executive orders earlier in the year, according to the State Department.

A spokesperson for the US Agency for International Development said, “We continue to evaluate our foreign assistance portfolio globally. Any changes regarding South Africa would be communicated through official channels.”

South African officials reacted firmly to Trump’s statement. President Ramaphosa released a statement reaffirming South Africa’s role in the G20 and defending the nation’s sovereignty.

“South Africa is a sovereign constitutional democratic country and does not appreciate insults from another country about its worth in participating in global platforms,” Ramaphosa said. “South Africa will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member of the G20.”

Local residents and business leaders expressed mixed reactions. “It’s frustrating to see politics affecting our international standing,” said Lebo Mokoena, a Johannesburg based economist. “We hosted world leaders and delivered a smooth summit. Exclusion from 2026 would be more symbolic than practical, but it still hurts our reputation.”

Meanwhile, political analysts in Washington noted that the dispute could have implications for US Africa relations. “These statements may influence broader diplomatic and trade engagement with the continent,” said Michelle Thompson, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.

Historically, the G20 has included the 19 largest economies and the European Union, with regional and guest countries occasionally invited to participate.

South Africa has served as a guest country in multiple previous summits and hosted the 2025 summit, drawing attention to Africa’s economic potential.

Analysts say that excluding South Africa could set a precedent, though the actual impact may be limited. “The G20 is built on multilateral agreements,” said Dr. Carter. “Even if a host country attempts to exclude a member unilaterally, it would face pushback from other nations.”

The US South Africa diplomatic relationship is likely to remain tense leading into 2026, with the potential for broader repercussions in trade, investment, and international cooperation. Experts suggest that resolution will require multilateral dialogue and reaffirmation of shared goals at the G20 level.

South African officials have indicated they will continue engaging with all G20 members and pursue active participation in global forums regardless of US statements.

“The focus remains on global economic stability, climate action, and public health initiatives,” Ramaphosa said. “South Africa is committed to contributing constructively to these discussions.”

Trump’s announcement that South Africa will not be invited to the 2026 G20 summit adds a new chapter to already strained US South Africa relations.

While largely symbolic, the statement underscores tensions over land, race, and protocol, and highlights the challenges of maintaining multilateral cooperation amid political disputes.

South Africa has affirmed its commitment to remain a full participant in international platforms, signaling that the country intends to uphold its role in global governance despite the dispute.