U.S. Takes Helm of G20 with Focus on Economic Prosperity Amid Controversy

On December 1, 2025, the United States commenced its one-year presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20), an international forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union, representing the world's largest economies. The U.S. administration, under President Donald Trump, has outlined a G20 agenda centered on three primary themes:

1. Unleashing economic prosperity by limiting regulatory burdens.
2. Unlocking affordable and secure energy supply chains.
3. Pioneering new technologies and innovations.

These priorities were announced by the U.S. State Department, reflecting the administration's focus on economic growth and reform during its G20 tenure.

The upcoming G20 Leaders' Summit is scheduled for December 14–15, 2026, in Miami, Florida. Notably, the event will be hosted at the Trump National Doral Miami, a property owned by President Trump. This decision has raised concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest, as the summit is expected to generate substantial revenue. President Trump has stated that the venue will charge at cost and will not profit from the event.

In a controversial move, President Trump announced on November 26, 2025, that South Africa would not be invited to the 2026 G20 summit. This decision follows the U.S. boycott of the recent G20 summit held in Johannesburg. President Trump cited concerns over the alleged persecution of white Afrikaners and claimed that South Africa disrespected the U.S. by not transferring G20 hosting duties formally to a U.S. representative. These allegations have been widely dismissed as misinformation.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed the exclusion, reaffirming the country's status as a founding member of the G20 and rejecting the claims made by President Trump.

Germany has urged the U.S. to reconsider its decision, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity within the G20. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced plans to personally advocate for South Africa’s participation.

The G20 is an international forum established in 1999, comprising 19 countries and the European Union. It serves as a platform for discussing and coordinating economic policies among the world's largest economies. The presidency of the G20 rotates annually among its members.

These developments signify a notable shift in the U.S. approach to international economic cooperation and have significant implications for global diplomatic relations.