In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump repeated controversial allegations that white-owned farmland was being taken without compensation and that farmers were being targeted in what he described as a “genocide.” He questioned whether the G20 should be held in South Africa, stating, “Is this where we want to be for the G20? I don’t think so!”
South Africa is currently holding the G20 presidency and is set to host the annual leaders’ summit in November. However, tensions between the two nations have reportedly worsened under Trump’s leadership, with repeated accusations directed at South Africa over its land reform policies.
Responding to Trump’s remarks, a spokesperson for President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that they are no longer expecting the US president to attend the summit.
Trump’s message included video clips of Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), discussing land occupation and revolution. The EFF condemned Trump’s comments, accusing him of using the party as a scapegoat to avoid confronting world leaders, especially after imposing trade tariffs on multiple countries.
In its response, the South African government denied any plans to seize land or claims of a white genocide, dismissing Trump’s statements as baseless and aligned with far-right conspiracy theories.
Earlier in the year, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also declined to attend a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in South Africa, citing concerns about an “anti-American” tone.
