November 23, 2025
U.S. breaks diplomatic tradition by boycotting summit it's scheduled to host, signaling retreat from global economic leadership
The G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa closed on Nov. 23, 2025, without the traditional ceremonial handover to the United States, the next G20 chair, after Washington boycotted the summit.
The US boycott of South Africa's G20 hosting caused a diplomatic spat and threw the gathering into turmoil.
The G20 represents the world's 20 largest economies and meets annually to coordinate economic policy. The US is scheduled to chair the G20 in 2026.
Trump administration officials didn't attend the summit. The boycott marks a significant break from US engagement with multilateral economic institutions.
South African officials expressed disappointment over the snub. The incident raises questions about US participation in global economic governance under the Trump administration.
The G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa closed Nov. 23, 2025, without the traditional ceremonial handover to the United States, the next G20 chair. Washington boycotted South Africa's G20 hosting, causing a diplomatic dispute. The US is scheduled to chair the G20 in 2026 but Trump administration officials didn't attend the 2025 summit.
The G20 represents the world's 20 largest economies and meets annually to coordinate economic policy. The ceremonial handover typically occurs at the closing ceremony when the current chair passes leadership to next year's host. The US boycott prevented this diplomatic tradition. South African officials expressed disappointment over the snub.
The boycott marks significant break from US engagement with multilateral economic institutions. Previous administrations—both Democratic and Republican—participated in G20 summits regardless of host country. Trump's boycott signals US withdrawal from global economic governance. Other G20 members proceeded with the summit despite US absence.
President of the United States
G20 2025 Host