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 Rubio is skipping the G20 summit at Johannesburg later this month, echoing the sentiment of President Trump and Elon Musk, who have been recently critical of the South African government.

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.