Trump Considers Skipping G20 in South Africa Amid Rising Tensions

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday he might opt out of the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa, set for November, due to disagreements with the nation's policies. He revealed the possibility of sending a representative in his place, citing 'very bad policies' as the reason for his potential absence.

Relations between the United States and South Africa have been tense, particularly over South Africa's domestic policies and its accusation against Israel of genocide in Gaza. In February, Trump issued an executive order aimed at cutting financial aid to South Africa, further escalating the diplomatic rift.

Remarkably, Trump's opposition also extends to South Africa's measures addressing racial inequality through its Black Economic Empowerment policies, which Trump has criticized. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in contrast, has invited Trump to attend the summit, rejecting U.S. claims about land policies affecting white-owned land.

(With inputs from agencies.)