G20 LIVE UPDATES | White House says South Africa undermines G20’s founding principles
Executive Summary
South Africa hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, where leaders adopted a declaration addressing the climate crisis and global challenges despite the United States' absence and vehement objections from President Donald Trump, who skipped the event along with top officials. The White House accused South African President Cyril Ramaphosa of undermining G20 principles by pushing the statement forward, amid heightened security measures that included dispersing protesters with tear gas and neutralizing a hijacking attempt near the venue. Ramaphosa emphasized an overwhelming consensus to strengthen the forum's integrity. The summit represents a diplomatic win for South Africa, with the G20 presidency set to transition smoothly to the US soon.