Donald Trump skipped the G20 Summit in South Africa, yet tried to assert his influence from the sidelines. He failed. The summit, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, adopted a joint declaration on day one—despite U.S. and Argentine opposition. South Africa refused to let a junior U.S. diplomat accept the G20 gavel, a snub that underscored Trump’s isolation. Meanwhile, India, Brazil, and South Africa revived the IBSA forum, responding to Trump's aggressive trade moves. Trump’s playbook—pressure, disruption, and absence—was met with unity, resolve, and progress.