Donald Trump has sensationally snubbed the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, declaring South Africa "shouldn't even be in the Gs anymore" over its "bad" policies. The US President confirmed his boycott while speaking at the America Business Forum in Miami on Wednesday, refusing to set foot in the country for the November 22-23 meet—the first ever on African soil. His blunt rejection stunned attendees, instantly sparked global headlines, and left diplomats scrambling to recalibrate agendas amid fears of fractured unity.

South Africa took over G20 Presidency on December 1, 2024, aiming to spotlight Global South issues like debt relief, climate finance, and sustainable development for emerging markets. But Trump's rage over land reforms, alleged "white genocide" claims, and Pretoria’s deepening BRICS ties has torched bilateral relations. He even floated hosting the 2026 summit at his Doral golf club near Miami, turning diplomacy into a personal brand flex amid cheers from his Florida base and nods to anti-communist rhetoric.

The G20 includes 19 nations plus the EU and African Union—inducted under India’s 2023 New Delhi presidency amid global fanfare and a landmark consensus on reforms. Trump’s absence risks derailing key talks on trade, climate, and Ukraine peace efforts, with Vice President JD Vance now expected to represent the US in a lower-key capacity, potentially diluting Washington’s influence in critical negotiations.

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This marks another flashpoint in escalating US-South Africa tensions, with new tariffs looming and diplomatic channels in deep freeze. Johannesburg braces for a leader-level summit minus the world’s most powerful voice, as Pretoria scrambles to salvage prestige on the global stage while rallying emerging economies to fill the void and push a defiant African agenda.

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