US Pulls Out of G20 in South Africa — Here’s Why Donald Trump Is Upset

Washington: US President Donald Trump said on Friday that no US government official will attend this year's G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. He made this announcement through a social media post and cited the alleged abuse of white farmers in South Africa and cases of land confiscation as the reason for this decision. 

Vice President J.D. Vance won't go either

Initially Trump himself had indicated not to go, and Vice President J.D. Vance was asked to send a representative, but later Vance also decided not to attend the conference, leaving America's formal representation void.

What was the tone of the allegations?

Trump and his supporters have been saying that attacks, killings, and illegal land seizures are happening against white (Africans) farmers in some South African areas, and they have taken a tough stance on these. The administration also said the US could give priority to asylum seekers—a controversial claim echoed in several international reports. 

What was South Africa's response?

The South African government has repeatedly denied these allegations and has stated that the standard of living of the white population in the nation is generally better than that of the Black majority; President Cyril Ramaphosa has said in releases and communications that claims of widespread persecution are "false" and "misleading." South Africa has reiterated its desire to successfully organize the summit.

Even before this there were signs of diplomatic boycott?

This is not the first case. Earlier this year, at a G20 meeting at the foreign minister level, some leaders from the United States had called for a boycott or informal absence; for example, criticisms against diversity, inclusivity, and climate-focused topics on the foreign policy agenda and the exclusion of certain celebrities were previously recorded. 

What could be the impact?

Trump's decision—in which he cited alleged mistreatment of white farmers in South Africa—has reduced America's G20 representation to zero, and the vice president is also not going to the summit. A complete US absence could impact the dynamics of the G20 summit: bilateral meetings would be reduced, and US-EU-South Africa dialogue on global policy items is likely to break down. At the same time, this move may also raise questions on bilateral relations with South Africa and America's role in multilateral forums.