U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not go to the meeting of foreign ministers of the G20 countries, which will be held on February 20-21 in Johannesburg.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday evening he was boycotting the G20 meeting in South Africa scheduled for later this month over the country's controversial land expropriation law.

The boycott is a blow to Canada’s hopes of bolstering links between the G20 and G7 groups during Canada’s presidency of the G7 this year. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly was in South Africa last August to discuss how to expand those connections.

Top US diplomat echoes Donald Trump and Elon Musk in condemning promotion of ‘solidarity’ and ‘sustainability’

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks after a tour of a migrant return center and a demonstration of a dog trained to sniff out narcotics, at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, February 5, 2025. Mark Schiefelbein/Pool via REUTERS

South Africa is hosting a meeting of foreign ministers of the G20 group of countries from Feb. 20-21 in Johannesburg. The country holds the G20 presidency until November. Trump said on Sunday, without citing evidence, that South Africa is confiscating land and certain classes of people were being treated very badly.

Podcast host Wade Stotts explains the geopolitical reality in South Africa and shares his take on Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s exchange with Hillary Clinton on ‘The Will Cain Show.’

U.S. and South Africa in Diplomatic Standoff A major diplomatic rift has emerged between the United States and South Africa after President Donald Trump threatened to cut funding to the African nation.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced he will skip the G20 summit slated to be held in Johannesburg amid tensions between President Trump, tech billionaire Elon Musk and the host country South Africa.