U.S. Not Participating in G20 South Africa Talks, but Trump’s Envoy Will Be There

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the US is “not participating” in G20 talks in South Africa after she saw the country’s president “running his mouth a little bit,” Tom Durante reported for Mediaite.

Leavitt also said that Dillard would only attend to recognize that the US will be hosting the next G20 in December 2026. (Photo: United States Department of State) 

The remarks came as Leavitt was asked about a recent New York Times report stating that the US was sending South African Ambassador Marc Dillard to the country this weekend — a 180-degree turn from the original Trump administration tactic of boycotting the event.

In addition, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said during a Thursday press conference: “We have received notice from the United States... about a change of mind, about participating in one shape, form or other in the summit… In a way we see this as a positive sign, very positive, because, as I’ve often said, boycott politics never work.”

In the briefing room, Leavitt denied a “shift” in policy toward the South Africa-hosted G20 and called out Ramaphosa for “falsely claiming” the US was to participate, adding: “I saw the South African president running his mouth a little bit against the United States and the president of the United States earlier today, and that language is not appreciated by the president or his team.”

A senior Trump administration official told The Times that America will only be taking part in the event this weekend on a “purely ceremonial” basis.

Leavitt also said that Dillard would only attend to recognize that the US will be hosting the next G20 in December 2026.