Trump Critiques South Africa’s Policies, Skipping G20 Summit

On Tuesday, Donald Trump announced that he would not attend the G20 summit in South Africa this November due to what he described as “very bad policies” in the country. He hinted that another representative might attend on behalf of the U.S.

While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, returning from a significant trade agreement in Scotland, Trump explained, “There were a lot of issues in South Africa, so you might think they might send someone else.” He didn’t hold back his criticism, adding, “It’s very, very, very bad policies, like the policies in which people are being killed.”

Interestingly, Trump’s remarks about South Africa’s crime situation have garnered unexpected support from some local figures.

Earlier this year, Trump had a notable encounter with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House, where he brought up serious concerns regarding the treatment of white farmers, bolstered by a news article and video evidence.

Trump has claimed that these farmers, descendants of Dutch settlers from 1652, are facing violence and displacement. The South African government and its president have refuted allegations of genocide and mistreatment towards these farmers.

In response to Trump’s assertions, South Africa’s president has pushed back against demands to arrest politicians who allegedly call for violence against farmers. Additionally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously boycotted a G20 Foreign Ministers’ Conference in South Africa, citing its controversial land reform policies.

Trump’s administration, along with officials from the previous Biden administration, has expressed strong disapproval of South Africa’s stance in various international disputes, including those involving Israel and Gaza, and even brought such matters before the International Court of Justice.