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Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced his decision to boycott the upcoming G20 foreign ministers’ talks in South Africa, citing what he described as the host nation’s “anti-American” stance.
The announcement follows recent criticism from President Donald Trump regarding South Africa’s land reform initiatives, which aim to address historical inequalities from the apartheid era.
Taking to X with rhetoric reminiscent of Trump’s style, Rubio declared his intention to skip the Johannesburg meetings scheduled for February 20-21, criticizing South Africa’s approach to property rights and the G20’s focus on “solidarity, equality, & sustainability,” which he interpreted as “DEI and climate change.”
JUST IN: 🇺🇸🇿🇦 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he will not attend G20 in South Africa.
"South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote 'solidarity, equality, & sustainability.' In other words: DEI and climate change." pic.twitter.com/2a1vsuIueV
— Rod đť•Ź đź”´ (@RudigerRod) February 6, 2025
“My job is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism,” Rubio wrote in his post.
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola defended his country’s position, stating that “there is no arbitrary dispossession of land / private property” under the new land reform legislation. He compared the law to American eminent domain provisions, emphasizing that South Africa maintains its commitment to “human dignity, equality, and rights” as a sovereign democracy.
“Our G20 presidency is not confined to just climate change but also equitable treatment for nations of the Global South, ensuring equal global system for all,” Lamola explained.
Earlier in the week, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had already countered Trump’s allegations about land confiscation, expressing readiness to clarify his administration’s reform policies. Ramaphosa also discussed concerns about “disinformation” with Elon Musk, the South African-born billionaire and Trump ally.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he will boycott G20 talks in South Africa over the host country's 'anti-American agenda'
Rubio's decision follows Trump’s criticism over South Africa’s land reforms@mohammed11saleh gets you this report by @kaldenongmu pic.twitter.com/9RmIdoO7QK
— WION (@WIONews) February 6, 2025
The land ownership issue remains controversial in South Africa, where white landowners still control most agricultural property thirty years after apartheid’s end, leading to increasing pressure for reform implementation.
Rubio’s absence would significantly impact the G20 gathering, given the United States’ position as the world’s largest economy. The meeting could have provided an initial opportunity for dialogue between Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, particularly as Trump advocates for diplomatic engagement regarding the Ukraine conflict.
