Next year, the United States will host the G20 summit for the first time since 2009. The event is scheduled to take place in December 2026 in Miami, Florida, coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary. The summit aims to highlight American values such as innovation and entrepreneurship.
According to the announcement, President Trump’s administration plans to focus on three main themes during its G20 presidency: reducing regulatory barriers, ensuring affordable and secure energy supply chains, and advancing new technologies. Four working groups will be established to address these areas. The initial Sherpa and Finance Track meetings are set for December 15-16 in Washington, DC, followed by additional meetings throughout 2026.
The United States intends to invite both established economies and emerging partners to participate in the summit. Notably, Poland will join the G20 as one of the world’s largest economies. The statement notes that “Poland’s success is proof that a focus on the future is a better path than one on grievances. It shows how partnership with the United States and American companies can promote mutual prosperity and growth.”
The press release draws a comparison between Poland’s trajectory and South Africa’s recent experience as G20 host. It states: “South Africa entered the post-Cold War era with strong institutions, excellent infrastructure, and global goodwill... And in Nelson Mandela, South Africa had a leader who understood that reconciliation and private sector driven economic growth were the only path to a nation where every citizen could prosper.” However, it criticizes subsequent South African leadership for policies described as discouraging investment and contributing to economic stagnation.
It further alleges: “Rather than take responsibility for its failings, the radical ANC-led South African government has sought to scapegoat its own citizens and the United States. As President Trump has rightly highlighted, the South African government’s appetite for racism and tolerance for violence against its Afrikaner citizens have become embedded as core domestic policies.”
Regarding this year’s G20 presidency under South Africa, U.S. officials claim that discussions were marked by division rather than economic cooperation: “The politics of grievance carried over to South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 this month... South Africa focused on climate change, diversity and inclusion, and aid dependency as central tenets of its working groups... It blocked the U.S. and other countries’ inputs into negotiations... It fundamentally tarnished the G20’s reputation.”
As a result of these concerns, President Trump has decided not to invite representatives from South Africa's government to participate in next year's summit: “For these reasons, President Trump and the United States will not be extending an invitation to the South African government to participate in the G20 during our presidency.”
The statement concludes by expressing continued support for ordinary South Africans while maintaining criticism of their current government: “The United States supports the people of South Africa but not its radical ANC-led government... When South Africa decides it has made the tough decisions needed to fix its broken system...the United States will have a seat for it at our table.”
Marco Rubio currently serves as Secretary of State after being sworn in on January 21, 2025.