G20 Johannesburg Summit Expected to End Without Joint Communiqué as U.S. Downgrades Presence

Overview

• The Financial Times, citing an unnamed official, reports members do not expect to agree on a joint communiqué at the Nov. 22–23 meeting in Johannesburg.
• President Trump stated on Truth Social that U.S. representatives will not go to the summit, effectively scaling back Washington’s senior participation.
• TASS reporting indicates the United States will most likely be represented by the U.S. Embassy’s chargé d’affaires in South Africa after Vice President J.D. Vance canceled his trip.
• Delegations intend to prioritize two-way meetings and coordination on trade policy and climate action rather than pursue a consensus statement, according to the FT account.
• The G20 presidency will pass to the United States after the summit, with Trump saying the 2026 gathering will be held in Florida, while China confirms Premier Li Qiang’s attendance and Russia plans to send Maxim Oreshkin.