In a surprising diplomatic move, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has decided to skip the upcoming G20 meeting in Cape Town, emphasizing the escalating rift between the U.S. and South Africa over land ownership policies perceived as anti-American.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Avoids G20 Meeting Over Tensions with South Africa
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Avoids G20 Meeting Over Tensions with South Africa
Treasury Secretary's boycott reflects growing strain between U.S. and South Africa amid contentious land policies.
February 19, 2025, 12:06 p.m. ET — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s withdrawal from the G20 finance ministers' meeting next week in South Africa marks a significant diplomatic shift, highlighting the tensions stemming from controversial land policies pursued by the South African government. This decision is particularly noteworthy given Bessent's recent confirmation as Treasury Secretary only three weeks ago.
Bessent's absence follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio's boycott of a related foreign ministers' meeting in Johannesburg, where he criticized the current South African administration for promoting what he called an "anti-American" approach. Rubio claimed that attending would be a misuse of taxpayer money.
Former President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism towards international gatherings like the G20, favoring direct bilateral negotiations. The theme of this year's meeting, "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability," stands at odds with the government's stance on climate and diversity issues. For Bessent, the G20 would have presented a vital opportunity to engage with financial leaders worldwide, including from Europe, China, and Russia.
Tensions regarding the gatherings are compounded by disputes surrounding Russia's actions in Ukraine, and Discordak remains over how the Trump administration will interact with Russia moving forward.
In South Africa, the news of Bessent's boycott has been met with disappointment. An official communication early this week had anticipated his attendance. Bessent's spokesperson has refrained from commenting on the decision thus far.
The diplomatic strain has unfolded against the backdrop of Trump's recent orders to halt foreign aid to South Africa, alongside a proposal for the relocation of disenfranchised white South African farmers to the United States. These controversial moves stem from the Expropriation Act signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which allows the South African government to acquire land for public benefit without compensation, raising the stakes in the international political landscape.
Alan Rappeport, an economic policy reporter from Washington, continues to cover unfolding events at the Treasury Department, focusing on taxes, trade, and fiscal policies.
Bessent's absence follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio's boycott of a related foreign ministers' meeting in Johannesburg, where he criticized the current South African administration for promoting what he called an "anti-American" approach. Rubio claimed that attending would be a misuse of taxpayer money.
Former President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism towards international gatherings like the G20, favoring direct bilateral negotiations. The theme of this year's meeting, "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability," stands at odds with the government's stance on climate and diversity issues. For Bessent, the G20 would have presented a vital opportunity to engage with financial leaders worldwide, including from Europe, China, and Russia.
Tensions regarding the gatherings are compounded by disputes surrounding Russia's actions in Ukraine, and Discordak remains over how the Trump administration will interact with Russia moving forward.
In South Africa, the news of Bessent's boycott has been met with disappointment. An official communication early this week had anticipated his attendance. Bessent's spokesperson has refrained from commenting on the decision thus far.
The diplomatic strain has unfolded against the backdrop of Trump's recent orders to halt foreign aid to South Africa, alongside a proposal for the relocation of disenfranchised white South African farmers to the United States. These controversial moves stem from the Expropriation Act signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which allows the South African government to acquire land for public benefit without compensation, raising the stakes in the international political landscape.
Alan Rappeport, an economic policy reporter from Washington, continues to cover unfolding events at the Treasury Department, focusing on taxes, trade, and fiscal policies.
