US president 'unlikely' to attend 2025 G20 Summit

US President Donald Trump appears unlikely to attend the upcoming G20 Leaders' Summit scheduled for November in Johannesburg, but South Africa's International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola said it is up to the US to confirm his attendance or absence.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

During a media briefing yesterday, Lamola addressed speculation about Trump's potential participation in the G20, highlighting the country's role as the current president of the summit.

"All leaders of G20 member states are invited to attend," Lamola said.

"But it is up to the US government to confirm whether President Trump will attend the G20 summit in South Africa."

South Africa assumed the G20 presidency in December 2024, taking over from Brazil.

Lamola emphasised that the US has continued to participate in several G20-related engagements, despite the uncertainty over Trump's travel plans.

"In various ministerial meetings, the US was represented by its chargé d'affaires," he said.