South Africans React As Donald Trump Says He Might Not Attend the G20 Summit

• The United States of America's President Donald Trump has once again indicated the possibility of not attending the G20 Summit
• He recently said that he probably would not go and send someone in his place because of the trouble he's had with South Africa
• Netizens shared varied views, as some were disappointed by his comments and others were wary of the comments' impact

Tebogo Mokwena, affiliated with Briefly News, covered local and international relations, political analysis, and interviews in South Africa for Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News during his 10 years of experience.

JOHANNESBURG — United States President Donald Trump's decision to skip the G20 summit in South Africa sparked a debate among South Africans. Some slammed Trump's decision, and others were concerned about the impact it would have on the economy.

Briefly News reported on 2 July 2025 that Trump indicated that he has no plans to attend the G20 Summit in November in South Africa. He spoke on Air Force One and said that he had a lot of problems with South Africa. Trump repeated the false claims that Afrikaners were being persecuted and killed.

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Trump accused the South African government of having bad policies where people, referring to Afrikaners, are being killed. He did not indicate who he would send to attend the G20 Summit in his place.

Trump and South Africa

In the past, Trump has continually accused the South African government of a white genocide against Afrikaners. During President Cyril Ramaphosa's bilateral visit to Washington on 21 May 2025, Trump presented what he alleged was evidence of a white genocide. Ramaphosa and his delegates, including Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, denied that there was a genocide.

The United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on 6 February 2025 that he would not attend the G20 Summit. He accused the South African government of expropriating private property and of doing very bad things.

What did South Africans say?

South Africans debated the announcement and shared different views.

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Those who supported Trump

Chris Westenraad said:

"Trump sees no point arguing with a brick wall."

Johnnie Johnstone said:

"Well done, Donald Trump. What Donald Trump demands from the ANC for trade relations is the classification of farm attacks as a priority crime."

Sipho Madau said:

"The South is facing international isolation from the Western powers because of its foreign policy."

Those who disagreed with Trump

MiracleTakalni said:

"He's scared Mkhwanazi might arrest him."

Sammy Tmb Khoza said:

"He is afraid of CIC Julius Malema."

Phindile George Zibula said:

"Him not attending would be a good thing so that the G20 Summit focuses on real issues, not his drama."

Brighton Bee said:

"He is throwing a tantrum because they refused to give up South Africa's rare minerals."

Donald Trump imposes 30% tariff on South Africa

In a related article, Briefly News reported that Trump imposed a 30% tariff on South African goods on 7 July. The tariffs will be effective on 12 August.

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Trump wrote a letter to each of the countries he imposed a tariff and said that if they increased the tariffs, he would increase them beyond the imposed tariff.

Source: Briefly News