The Trump administration has announced that South Africa will be excluded from all G20 engagements hosted by the United States next year, with President Donald Trump declaring that financial support to the country will be halted “immediately.”
“South Africa will NOT receive an invitation to the 2026 G20, which will take place in Miami, Florida,” Trump posted on social media. “South Africa has shown the world that it is not a country deserving of membership anywhere. All payments and subsidies will cease, effective immediately.”
The move marks the first time in the G20’s two-decade history that a member nation has been entirely shut out of the forum, which brings together the world’s major economies.
Reacting to the announcement, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described Trump’s comments as “regrettable.” In a statement shared on X, the presidency said: “South Africa is a sovereign constitutional democracy and will not accept insults from another state about its place on global platforms.”
Trump previously froze US aid to South Africa in February, alleging discrimination against White farmers — claims widely disputed internationally. It remains unclear which specific payments or subsidies are now being terminated.
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The United States also refused to attend the 2025 G20 meeting hosted by South Africa, basing its absence on unsubstantiated allegations that Pretoria is engaged in “genocide” against White citizens.
Sources familiar with the administration’s planning say Poland is expected to be elevated to a more prominent role at the 2026 summit. Polish President Karol Nawrocki, who has maintained warm relations with Trump, said the US president invited him to attend the Miami gathering during a September meeting. The 2026 summit is scheduled for Trump’s Doral golf resort in Florida in December.
Strained relations between Washington and Pretoria have deepened throughout Trump’s presidency. In March, the US State Department expelled South Africa’s ambassador, declaring him persona non grata. And when South Africa handed over the G20 chairmanship this year, no senior US official was present to receive the ceremonial gavel.
Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the South African presidency, told CNN earlier on Wednesday that while rumours of exclusion have circulated, “until we receive official communication, we will regard it as speculation.”
South Africa recently concluded its term as G20 chair amid ongoing diplomatic tensions with Washington.
