The United States of America on Tuesday, announced its assumption of the presidency of intergovernmental forum G-20, taking over from South Africa following the completion of its one-year tenure. 

“Effective today, December 1, 2025, the United States has assumed the 2026 Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20). Under President Trump’s leadership, we will return the G20 to focusing on its core mission of driving economic growth and prosperity to produce results,” the White House said. 

The transition of the group’s leadership from South Africa to the United States of America came after the African country refused Washington’s directive to ceremonially hand over the presidency to a U.S. Embassy official at the 2025 G-20 summit in Johannesburg last month. 

The United States of America boycotted the summit amid diplomatic row between President Donald Trump and Cyril Ramaphosa over alleged ‘White genocide’ and wanted a low-level official to participate in the traditional handing over ceremony, which South Africa declined, insisting only someone at presidential level would be recognised. 

“As we usher in these much-needed reforms, we will prioritize three core themes: unleashing economic prosperity by limiting regulatory burdens, unlocking affordable and secure energy supply chains, and pioneering new technologies and innovations” the White House added.

Subsequently, the White House concluded that it was looking to host world leaders at next year’s summit in Miami Florida, which Mr Trump threatened to ban South African officials from attending.