A U.S.-Led G20 for the Billionaires? A Primer
What to expect from the 2026 U.S. G20 Presidency
Much is at stake as the U.S. assumes the 2026 Presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20), a major platform for heads of state and governments to address global economic issues. Given the inequality-fueling agenda that President Trump has pursued at home and around the world, U.S. leadership of the G20 in 2026 could rapidly undermine the limited progress the group has made in addressing critical global issues. Moreover, on issues from taxation to life-saving aid and the climate crisis, the U.S.-led G20 could encourage the adoption of policies and approaches that advance the interests of wealthy individuals and large corporations. Early signs suggest the U.S. is prepared to use its might to get its way, with its refusal to allow South Africa to participate in this year’s process demonstrating its willingness to employ unprecedented, coercive tactics. World leaders, international institutions, and civil society should be united in pushing back, and embrace bold new forms of multilateral cooperation that benefit billions of people, not billionaires.