Tensions Escalate Between U.S. and South Africa Over Land Policy and G20 Leadership

South Africa defends sovereignty after U.S. foreign aid freeze and G20 boycott tied to land expropriation and diversity agenda.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa asserted the nation's resilience and sovereignty in response to U.S. criticism of its new land expropriation law during his State of the Union address.
President Donald Trump announced a 90-day freeze on U.S. foreign aid to South Africa, citing concerns over alleged human rights violations and the new law, which permits land confiscation without compensation.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared he will boycott the upcoming G20 meeting in Johannesburg, criticizing South Africa's focus on diversity, equity, and climate change in its G20 agenda.
The U.S. actions have drawn criticism from South African officials and international analysts, with some suggesting it could strengthen China's influence within the G20 and bolster the BRICS alliance.
Elon Musk, a South African-born billionaire and Trump ally, has also criticized South Africa's policies, linking his opposition to personal business interests, including Starlink's licensing issues in the country.