The United States has reiterated that it will not participate in the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa, citing policy differences and strained diplomatic relations. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Washington will not join any formal discussions at the event, contradicting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s earlier claim that the US had changed its stance. The US Embassy in Pretoria stated that South Africa’s G20 priorities conflict with American policies, preventing agreement on joint documents. Although the US will send its ambassador to a ceremonial handover, it will not engage in policy talks. The Trump administration’s decision marks a broader retreat from global forums, including the ongoing COP-30 climate summit in Brazil. Tensions between Washington and Pretoria have escalated following Trump’s remarks about white farmers in South Africa and subsequent trade tariffs. Despite the boycott, American corporate interests remain active, with major US companies attending the B20 business summit in Johannesburg.