The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have slammed US President Donald Trump for his decision to ban South Africa from the 2026 G20 Summit.
The EFF’s statement follows Trump’s recent announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he intends to exclude SA from the summit in Miami.
The party (EFF) released a blistering statement rejecting what it calls a “vindictive” and “baseless” attempt to punish South Africa for refusing to bow to U.S. pressure.
TRUMP G20 BAN SPARKS DIPLOMATIC TENSION
The EFF argues that Trump’s announcement is not only misleading but also legally impossible.
“There is no clause in the G20’s charter, founding documents, or publicly accepted rules that gives any member, whether current president or former, the power to unilaterally expel or ban another member state from participation,” the party said.
The G20 presidency rotates annually, and no state, whether current or former host, holds the authority Trump claims to have.
Moreover, the party accuses Trump of rewriting events surrounding the 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg.
The EFF says he initially boycotted the summit to force a political showdown, only to backtrack when no other member supported his move.
EFF SAYS TRUMP’S CLAIMS HOLD NO WEIGHT
The EFF states that Trump is acting out of frustration after South Africa successfully hosted the 2025 G20 summit without him.
The party says the country delivered a full Leaders’ Declaration, proving that the G20 can function independently of American participation.
The EFF also calls out Trump’s repeated use of the “white genocide” narrative, dismissing it as a retaliatory tactic rather than a genuine concern.
They argue that Trump’s attacks on South Africa mirror a long-standing U.S. pattern of using false human-rights allegations to justify political pressure, exclusion and isolation.
GLOBAL SPORTS AND G20 STABILITY ALSO AT STAKE AS TRUMP BAN ON SA CONTINUES
The EFF warns that Trump’s mindset could spill over into sport, especially with South Africa’s anticipated participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted in the U.S.
As a result, the party has urged FIFA and the global community to monitor any attempt to politicise South Africa’s involvement.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Ultimately, the EFF insists Trump’s statement is “imperial arrogance” dressed as diplomacy.
The party calls on other G20 members to publicly reaffirm South Africa’s rightful place in the global body and reject any effort to weaponise the presidency for exclusionary politics.
According to the EFF, South Africa remains a full member of the G20, and no tweet or tantrum can change that.
