White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the United States will not participate in formal G20 negotiations in South Africa, criticizing President Cyril Ramaphosa for remarks she described as "running his mouth." Ambassador Marc Dillard will attend only in a ceremonial capacity to accept the handover to the U.S. as host of the next G20 in December 2026. A senior administration official described the U.S. role at the summit as "purely ceremonial," not substantive engagement. Leavitt denied any policy shift toward full participation.
White House: U.S. Will Not Join G20 Negotiations After Leavitt Rebukes Ramaphosa
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the United States will not participate in formal G20 negotiations in South Africa, criticizing President Cyril Ramaphosa for remarks she described as "running his mouth." Ambassador Marc Dillard will attend only in a ceremonial capacity to accept the handover to the U.S. as host of the next G20 in December 2026. A senior administration official described the U.S. role at the summit as "purely ceremonial," not substantive engagement. Leavitt denied any policy shift toward full participation.
11:24 PM, 11/20/2025Politics
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the United States will not take part in official G20 negotiations in South Africa after criticizing remarks by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Leavitt described Ramaphosa’s comments as "running his mouth a little bit" and said that language was "not appreciated by the president or his team."
Ceremonial Attendance Only
Leavitt confirmed that Ambassador Marc Dillard will attend the summit, but said his role is strictly ceremonial: he is expected to accept the customary handover acknowledging that the United States will host the next G20 in December 2026. A senior administration official described U.S. involvement at the South Africa summit as "purely ceremonial," not substantive participation in formal talks.
Context and Statements
South African officials had signaled that discussions were underway about U.S. participation, and President Ramaphosa framed any potential involvement as a positive development. In response, Leavitt rejected the idea of a policy shift and accused the South African president of inaccurately portraying U.S. intentions.
REPORTER: Two questions for you. The "New York Times" reporting that the administration is now sending a U.S. Official to the G20. They’re sending Marc Dillard. Can you confirm if that is true and also explain the shift and—
KAROLINE LEAVITT: I’d be happy to explain because there is not a shift. The United States is not participating in official talks at the G20 in South Africa. I saw the South African president running his mouth a little bit against the United States and the president of the United States earlier today and that language is not appreciated by the president or his team. The ambassador, or the representative of the embassy in South Africa is there to recognize that the United States will be the host of the G20. They are receiving that send-off at the end of the event. They’re not there to participate in official talks despite what the South African president is falsely claiming.
The exchange highlights tensions between public diplomatic messaging and the limited, ceremonial role the U.S. says it will play at this summit. Officials emphasize that attendance by a U.S. representative should not be read as participation in negotiations or a reversal of prior policy.