US removes South Africa’s G20 website as Trump begins 2026 presidency with unprecedented exclusion

The United States began its presidency of the Group of 20 on Monday with a move that immediately drew international attention. The official G20 website, previously managed by South Africa as the outgoing host, was wiped clean and replaced with a minimalist page featuring a black and white photograph of President Donald Trump. The new banner includes the phrases Miami 2026 and The Best Is Yet to Come, signalling the branding for next year’s summit.

The update comes alongside a rare and controversial decision. Trump has chosen not to invite South Africa to the 2026 G20 summit, marking the first time in the group’s history that a member nation has been excluded from its own meeting cycle. The G20, founded in 1999, has traditionally operated based on permanent membership and consensus-based participation, making the absence of South Africa highly unusual.

The move follows Trump’s refusal to send any American representatives to last month’s G20 summit in Johannesburg. At the time, he sharply criticised the South African government, arguing that it had not treated the country’s white minority fairly. His stance drew mixed reactions across global political circles, with some viewing it as a departure from long-standing US diplomatic practice.

The erasure of South Africa’s content from the G20 website effectively marks a symbolic reset as the United States assumes the rotating presidency. Previous host nations typically have their materials archived rather than removed entirely. The sudden change reflects the Trump administration’s intention to rebrand the G20 under its own messaging and set a different tone heading into the 2026 summit.

Miami is slated to host next year’s gathering of major economies. Officials familiar with the planning process say the administration aims to position the summit as a showcase for American leadership, economic priorities, and global security strategies. The theme is expected to focus on growth, domestic reindustrialisation and international partnerships aligned with US strategic interests.

The exclusion of South Africa raises questions about how member states will respond and what expectations will shape the coming summit. Analysts say the decision may test the G20’s cohesion at a time when the group faces increasing geopolitical divisions. Some observers note that the G20 traditionally serves as a platform for dialogue among diverse economies, and leaving out one of its members could set a precedent that complicates future cooperation.

For South Africa, the move represents a significant diplomatic setback. The government has not yet issued a detailed response, though officials have previously stressed the importance of inclusive global forums and equal treatment of member states. Regional analysts expect discussions within the African Union and among emerging economies as they assess the implications.

As preparations for the Miami summit begin, attention will focus on how the United States intends to shape the G20’s agenda and how other members will react to this early and unprecedented change.