South Africa kicked off the two-day G-20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg on Thursday to address solidarity, equality, and sustainability around the world. But the absence of the White House’s top diplomat appeared to undermine international collaboration efforts and highlighted the Trump administration’s disdain for global institutions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited several reasons for not attending the key event, beginning with Pretoria’s choice of theme. “In other words: DEI and climate change,” Rubio wrote on X this month, adding that his job “is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism.” Since taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump has waged a war on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
South Africa kicked off the two-day G-20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg on Thursday to address solidarity, equality, and sustainability around the world. But the absence of the White House’s top diplomat appeared to undermine international collaboration efforts and highlighted the Trump administration’s disdain for global institutions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited several reasons for not attending the key event, beginning with Pretoria’s choice of theme. “In other words: DEI and climate change,” Rubio wrote on X this month, adding that his job “is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism.” Since taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump has waged a war on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Rubio also stressed ongoing tensions between Washington and Pretoria as a reason for skipping the G-20 gathering. Last month, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a law that aims to redress historical racial inequalities in property ownership by allowing the government to seize land without compensation; more than 30 years after the end of apartheid, Black South Africans still own only a small portion of all farmland. In response, Trump signed an executive order on Feb. 7 cutting all U.S. aid and assistance to Pretoria over what he called its “unjust and immoral practices” against the country’s white minority. One of Trump’s top advisors, Elon Musk, was born in South Africa and has repeatedly accused Pretoria of anti-white racism.
The White House has also condemned South Africa’s ongoing genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, arguing that such actions are a veiled support of Hamas. Dana Brown, Washington’s acting ambassador to South Africa, will instead represent the United States at this week’s G-20 meetings.
This post is part of FP’s ongoing coverage of the Trump administration. Follow along here.
