Johannesburg — April 13, 2025
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has welcomed reports that U.S. President Donald Trump may skip the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa, saying his absence could offer world leaders a chance to focus on global economic recovery without disruption.
On Saturday, Trump indicated on his Truth Social platform that he was reluctant to attend the summit, reiterating discredited claims about land expropriation and an alleged “white genocide” in South Africa—narratives widely condemned by experts and international bodies as false.
In a strongly worded statement, the EFF accused Trump of scapegoating South Africa and undermining global economic stability. The party said his nonattendance would be a “relief” to many world leaders working to restore economic cooperation amid a fragile post-pandemic recovery.
EFF national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo sharply criticised Trump’s rhetoric and economic policies, labelling the U.S. president a “tariff-wielding barbarian” and attributing America’s current economic struggles to his leadership.
“He would be lucky to still be president of the USA by the time the G20 Summit occurs in South Africa,” Thambo said. “His recklessness and economic illiteracy have plunged the U.S. economy into a recession and launched them into a trade war with China and Europe.”
Trump’s administration has faced mounting pressure at home and abroad amid a slowing U.S. economy, rising inflation, and escalating trade disputes with key global partners. His repeated targeting of South Africa over land reform policies has been widely criticised as inflammatory and misleading.
The G20 summit, set to be held later this year in Johannesburg, is expected to draw leaders from the world’s largest economies for discussions on global trade, climate, and financial cooperation. South Africa is the first African country to host the summit, marking a historic moment for the continent.
While the White House has not confirmed Trump’s final attendance plans, diplomatic sources say South African officials remain committed to ensuring the summit proceeds constructively—regardless of U.S. representation.
EFF leaders say they hope the event can now move forward with greater focus. “This summit must be about unity, sustainable development, and equitable economic growth,” Thambo said. “The absence of agents of division is a welcome development.”