US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will miss a meeting of finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of 20 nations in South Africa due to rising tensions over the country’s land policies. This decision comes as President Trump’s administration continues to push for closer ties with Russia, an ally that was previously aligned with Western countries.
The move is highly unusual for a Treasury secretary, particularly one confirmed just three weeks ago. It reflects the growing rift between the US and South Africa, which has been exacerbated by comments from President Trump about “racially disfavored landowners” in South Africa. The US administration had halted all foreign assistance to the country earlier this month.
A boycott of a similar meeting of foreign ministers in Johannesburg was already underway, skipped by Secretary of State Marco Rubio due to concerns over “anti-Americanism”. Treasury Department veteran Mark Sobel called Bessent’s decision a “colossal mistake”, arguing it would hinder the US’s ability to discuss global economic issues and address central financial challenges.
The G20 meeting’s focus on solidarity, equality, and sustainability is at odds with Trump administration views on climate change and diversity policies. The decision not to attend the gathering will be seen as a disappointment by South Africa, which had expected Bessent to participate.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/19/us/politics/bessent-g20-south-africa.html