The White House has accused South Africa of undermining the founding principles of the G20, following the adoption of a climate declaration at the Johannesburg summit despite US objections.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa pushed through a G20 leaders' declaration addressing the climate crisis and global challenges, "despite consistent and robust US objections."

Kelly added that President Donald Trump looks forward to “restoring legitimacy” to the G20 when the United States hosts the summit in 2026.

The comment comes amid growing tensions between the US and several G20 member states, particularly over multilateral climate policy.

G20 Summit in South Africa adopts declaration without US participation

A Group of 20 leaders' summit in South Africa adopted a declaration on Saturday addressing the climate crisis and other pressing global issues, despite the absence and opposition of the United States.

The declaration was finalized without US input, prompting a White House official to label the process as "shameful". According to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesperson, the document "can't be renegotiated," signaling persistent tensions between Pretoria and the Trump administration over the summit’s outcomes.

"We had the entire year of working towards this adoption, and the past week has been quite intense," the spokesperson told reporters.

Ramaphosa said on Thursday that discussions were ongoing with Washington about potential US participation, but the White House later denied any change in position. South Africa has since declined a White House offer to send a chargé d'affaires to represent the US during the G20 presidency handover.

Ramaphosa remarked he was resigned to handing over to "an empty chair", expressing disappointment over the absence of the US.