US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to skip G20 Summit in South Africa, citing “anti-American” agenda

Rubio and Trump criticize South Africa over land reform and G20 policies

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that he will not attend the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, scheduled for February 20-21, accusing the host nation of pushing an anti-American agenda.

Rubio’s statement on South Africa and G20 agenda

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rubio declared:

“I will NOT attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg. South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote ‘solidarity, equality, & sustainability.’ In other words: DEI and climate change. My job is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism.”

I will NOT attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg.

South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote “solidarity, equality, & sustainability.” In other words: DEI and climate change.

My job is to advance America’s national interests, not…

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) February 5, 2025

South Africa currently holds the G20 presidency from December 2024 to November 2025 and will be hosting a G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting on February 20-21 in Johannesburg.

Trump’s criticism of South Africa’s land reform policies

Rubio’s remarks come two days after President Donald Trump criticized South Africa’s land reform efforts, which aim to address historical land inequalities from the apartheid era.

On February 2, Trump posted on Truth Social, stating:

“South Africa is confiscating land and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY.”

He further claimed that “a massive Human Rights VIOLATION, at a minimum, is happening for all to see,” though he provided no specific evidence to support his accusations.

Since his return to the White House last month, Trump has consistently criticized DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policies and opposed climate change initiatives—both of which feature prominently in South Africa’s G20 agenda.

South African President Ramaphosa responds

In response to Trump’s claims, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed the allegations of land confiscation and expressed his willingness to explain his government’s land reform policies to US officials.

According to the Associated Press, Ramaphosa even reached out to Trump ally Elon Musk, raising concerns about what he called “disinformation” being circulated by the US president.

Land reform in South Africa: A controversial issue

Land ownership remains a highly sensitive topic in South Africa, where white landowners still control the majority of farmland decades after the end of apartheid. The government is under mounting pressure to implement reforms to address historical injustices, as Black South Africans were forcibly removed from their land during apartheid.

G20 Johannesburg Summit overview

The G20 Johannesburg Summit, scheduled for November 22-23, 2025, will be the first-ever G20 Summit held in South Africa and on the African continent.

Key details of the G20 Summit:

• Theme: South Africa’s G20 Presidency focuses on “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”
• Priorities:
  • Advocating for developing economies in Africa and the Global South.
  • Addressing inclusive economic growth, food security, and AI-driven innovation for sustainable development.
• G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting: President Ramaphosa will host the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting on February 20 in Johannesburg.

Conclusion

The diplomatic rift between the US and South Africa has escalated, with Rubio refusing to attend the G20 and Trump openly condemning South Africa’s land policies. As South Africa leads the G20 discussions, tensions over global economic priorities, human rights, and sovereignty are likely to persist.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.

The post US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to skip G20 Summit in South Africa, citing “anti-American” agenda appeared first on PGurus.