White House Official Slams Ramaphosa for ‘Running His Mouth’ Amid Tensions Over US Boycott of G20 Summit in Johannesburg
Johannesburg – White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has sharply criticised South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing him of “running his mouth” during a briefing on 21 November 2025. This came amid growing friction over the United States’ boycott of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, where South Africa is making history as the first African nation to host the event.
Leavitt’s words followed Ramaphosa’s comments suggesting the US had a last-minute change of heart about joining the talks, a claim she strongly denied. The US will only send a representative for the formal handover of the G20 presidency, skipping the main discussions and any joint statement. This spat highlights deeper policy clashes under the Trump administration, as South Africa pushes for talks on key global issues like climate change, debt relief for poor countries, and fair growth. With absences from big names like Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who are sending teams instead, the summit faces added hurdles.
The exchange has sparked debate about diplomatic respect, with Ramaphosa standing firm that South Africa will not be “bullied” into watering down its plans for a strong joint declaration. As the world watches, this row could shape how nations work together on pressing problems, especially with South Africa’s focus on helping developing countries.
Roots of the US Boycott and Trump’s Stance
The tension started with US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a boycott, pointing to alleged violence against white Afrikaner farmers in South Africa – a claim many have called baseless and rooted in old debates. Trump has long raised this issue, even tweeting about it in his first term, but experts say farm attacks affect all races and are tied more to crime than targeted killings. South African officials have pushed back, saying such talk ignores facts and stirs up division.
Despite the boycott, the US plans to send its acting ambassador for the handover ceremony at the summit’s close, where South Africa passes the G20 baton to Washington. Next year’s event will be at Trump’s Doral golf club in Florida, adding a personal touch to the US role. Leavitt made it clear there is no shift in policy: the US will not join talks or sign any final statement, sticking to Trump’s line.
Ramaphosa, speaking to reporters, shared his disappointment over a possible “empty chair” but welcomed any US presence “in one shape or form or another.” He saw it as a “pleasing” sign and stressed South Africa would not bow to pressure for a weaker declaration. “Bullying has no place in global affairs,” he added, showing South Africa’s resolve to lead on its terms.
Leavitt’s Sharp Response and Diplomatic Fallout
In her briefing, Leavitt hit back hard: “I saw the South African president running his mouth a little bit against the United States and the president of the United States earlier today, and that language is not appreciated by the president or his team.” She denied any US u-turn, calling Ramaphosa’s words false and unhelpful. This blunt talk has raised eyebrows, with some seeing it as a sign of rocky relations under Trump.
The spat plays out against South Africa’s big moment as G20 host, themed around solidarity, equality, and sustainability. Leaders like German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and EU officials have backed joint decisions, urging progress on debt help, green energy shifts, and fair growth. But with Trump skipping and others sending stand-ins, talks could face roadblocks.
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin are absent too, opting for delegations, which adds to the summit’s challenges. Yet, Ramaphosa called the US move a “loss” for them, vowing to push ahead with a strong outcome.
Impact on South Africa-US Relations and Global Talks
This row underscores policy gaps, with Trump’s team focusing on US interests while South Africa champions help for the Global South. Issues like farm violence claims tie into broader debates on land reform, where South Africa seeks fair ways to fix past wrongs without harming food security.
For the G20, a watered-down declaration could weaken calls for change, like easing debt for poor nations or fair climate deals. European support gives South Africa backing, but US pressure might sway others.
Locally, South Africans have mixed views, with some backing Ramaphosa’s stand against “bullying” while others worry about strained ties with a key trade partner. The summit, set for Sandton, brings global spotlight but also highlights internal challenges like power cuts and inequality.
As events unfold, this exchange could shape future talks, testing if nations can bridge divides for common good. South Africa’s firm stance shows its growing role on the world stage, refusing to back down amid pressure.
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